initial commit of ebook 15551HEADmain

1 files changed, 5409 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/15551.txt b/15551.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e751079
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15551.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5409 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories from Le Morte D'Arthur and the
+Mabinogion, by Beatrice Clay
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Stories from Le Morte D'Arthur and the Mabinogion
+
+Author: Beatrice Clay
+
+Release Date: April 5, 2005 [EBook #15551]
+[Last updated: March 10, 2011]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES FROM LE MORTE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jennifer Goslee and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+_The_ KINGS TREASURIES OF LITERATURE
+
+  GENERAL EDITOR
+  SIR A.T. QUILLER COUCH
+
+
+[Illustration: THE LADY OF THE LAKE TELLETH ARTHUR
+OF THE SWORD EXCALIBUR]
+
+NEW YORK--E.P. DUTTON & COMPANY
+
+
+[Illustration: FIRST AND CHIEF OF ALL THE
+THREE BEST MOST CHRISTIAN
+AND WORTHY, KING ARTHUR]
+
+  STORIES FROM LE MORTE D'ARTHUR
+  AND THE MABINOGION
+
+  RETOLD BY
+  BEATRICE CLAY
+
+LONDON & TORONTO--J.M. DENT & SONS Ltd.
+
+
+SOLE AGENT FOR SCOTLAND
+THE GRANT EDUCATIONAL CO. LTD.
+GLASGOW
+
+FIRST EDITION, 1920
+REPRINTED, 1922, 1924
+
+PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+BOOK I.--THE COMING OF ARTHUR
+
+      I. OF ARTHUR'S BIRTH; AND HOW HE BECAME KING
+     II. THE ROUND TABLE
+    III. OF THE FINDING OF EXCALIBUR
+     IV. OF THE TREACHERY OF QUEEN MORGAN LE FAY
+      V. HOW THE SCABBARD OF EXCALIBUR WAS LOST
+     VI. MERLIN
+    VII. BALIN AND BALAN
+
+
+BOOK II.--SIR LAUNCELOT
+
+   VIII. SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAC
+     IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHAPEL PERILOUS
+      X. SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE FALCON
+
+
+BOOK III.--SIR TRISTRAM
+
+     XI. OF THE BIRTH OF ST. TRISTRAM
+    XII. HOW TRISTRAM FOUGHT WITH SIR MARHAUS OF IRELAND
+   XIII. THE FAIR ISOLT
+    XIV. HOW KING MARK SENT SIR TRISTRAM TO FETCH HIM A WIFE
+     XV. HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOLT DRANK OF THE MAGIC POTION
+    XVI. OF THE END OF SIR TRISTRAM
+
+
+BOOK IV.--KING ARTHUR'S NEPHEWS
+
+   XVII. SIR GAWAIN AND THE LADY
+  XVIII. THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GARETH
+
+
+BOOK V.--SIR GERAINT
+
+    XIX. THE ADVENTURES OF GERAINT
+     XX. GERAINT AND ENID
+
+
+BOOK VI.--THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
+
+    XXI. THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
+
+
+BOOK VII.--SIR PEREDUR
+
+   XXII. THE ADVENTURES OF SIR PEREDUR
+
+
+BOOK VIII.--THE HOLY GRAIL
+
+  XXIII. THE COMING OF SIR GALAHAD
+   XXIV. HOW SIR GALAHAD WON THE RED-CROSS SHIELD
+    XXV. THE ADVENTURES OF SIR PERCIVALE
+   XXVI. THE ADVENTURES OF SIR BORS
+  XXVII. THE ADVENTURES OF SIR LAUNCELOT
+ XXVIII. HOW SIR LAUNCELOT SAW THE HOLY GRAIL
+   XXIX. THE END OF THE QUEST
+
+
+BOOK IX.--THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
+
+    XXX. THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
+
+
+BOOK X.--QUEEN GUENEVERE
+
+   XXXI. HOW MORDRED PLOTTED AGAINST SIR LAUNCELOT
+  XXXII. THE TRIAL OF THE QUEEN
+ XXXIII. HOW SIR GAWAIN DEFIED SIR LAUNCELOT
+  XXXIV. HOW KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAIN WENT TO FRANCE
+
+
+BOOK XI.--THE MORTE D'ARTHUR
+
+   XXXV. MORDRED THE TRAITOR
+  XXXVI. THE BATTLE IN THE WEST
+ XXXVII. THE PASSING OF ARTHUR
+XXXVIII. THE DEATH OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND OF THE QUEEN
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Among the stories of world-wide renown, not the least stirring are
+those that have gathered about the names of national heroes. The
+_AEneid_, the _Nibelungenlied_, the _Chanson de Roland_, the _Morte
+D'Arthur_,--they are not history, but they have been as National
+Anthems to the races, and their magic is not yet dead.
+
+In olden times our forefathers used to say that the world had seen
+nine great heroes, three heathen, three Jewish, and three
+Christian; among the Christian heroes was British Arthur, and of
+none is the fame greater. Even to the present day, his name
+lingers in many widely distant places. In the peninsula of Gower, a
+huge slab of rock, propped up on eleven short pillars, is still
+called Arthur's Stone; the lofty ridge which looks down upon
+Edinburgh bears the name of Arthur's Seat; and--strangest, perhaps,
+of all--in the Franciscan Church of far-away Innsbrueck, the finest
+of the ten statues of ancestors guarding the tomb of the Emperor
+Maximilian I. is that of King Arthur. There is hardly a country in
+Europe without its tales of the Warrior-King; and yet of any real
+Arthur history tells us little, and that little describes, not the
+knightly conqueror, but the king of a broken people, struggling for
+very life.
+
+More than fifteen centuries ago, this country, now called England,
+was inhabited by a Celtic race known as the Britons, a warlike
+people, divided into numerous tribes constantly at war with each
+other. But in the first century of the Christian era they were
+conquered by the Romans, who added Britain to their vast empire and
+held it against attacks from without and rebellions from within by
+stationing legions, or troops of soldiers, in strongly fortified
+places all over the country. Now, from their conquerors, the
+Britons learnt many useful arts, to read and to write, to build
+houses and to make roads; but at the same time, they unlearnt some
+of their own virtues and, among others, how to think and act for
+themselves. For the Romans never allowed a Briton any real part in
+the government of his own country, and if he wished to become a
+soldier, he was sent away from Britain to serve with a legion
+stationed in some far-distant part of the empire. Thus it came
+about that when, in the fifth century, the Romans withdrew from
+Britain to defend Rome itself from invading hordes of savages, the
+unhappy Britons had forgotten how to govern and how to defend
+themselves, and fell an easy prey to the many enemies waiting to
+pounce on their defenceless country. Picts from Scotland invaded
+the north, and Scots from Ireland plundered the west; worst of all,
+the heathen Angles and Saxons, pouring across the seas from their
+homes in the Elbe country, wasted the land with fire and sword.
+Many of the Britons were slain; those who escaped sought refuge in
+the mountainous parts of the west from Cornwall to the Firth of
+Clyde. There, forgetting, to some extent, their quarrels, they took
+the name of the Cymry, which means the "Brethren," though the
+English, unable to understand their language, spoke of them
+contemptuously as the "Welsh," or the "Strangers."
+
+For a long time the struggle went on between the two races, and
+nowhere mere fiercely than in the south-west, where the invaders set
+up the Kingdom of Wessex; but at last there arose among the Britons a
+great chieftain called Arthur. The old histories speak of him as
+"Emperor," and he seems to have been obeyed by all the Britons;
+perhaps, therefore, he had succeeded to the position of the Roman
+official known as the Comes Britanniae, whose duty it was to hasten to
+the aid of the local governors in defending any part of Britain where
+danger threatened. At all events, under his leadership, the oppressed
+people defeated the Saxons in a desperate fight at Mons Badonicus,
+perhaps the little place in Dorsetshire known as Badbury, or, it may
+be, Bath itself, which is still called Badon by the Welsh. After that
+victory, history has little to say about Arthur. The stories tell that
+he was killed in a great battle in the west; but, nowadays, the wisest
+historians think it more probable that he met his death in a conflict
+near the River Forth.
+
+And so, in history, Arthur, the hero of such a mass of romantic
+story, is little more than a name, and it is hardly possible to
+explain how he attained to such renown as the hero of marvellous
+and, sometimes, magical feats, unless on the supposition that he
+became confused with some legendary hero, half god, half man, whose
+fame he added to his own. Perhaps not the least marvel about him is
+that he who was the hero of the Britons, should have become the
+national hero of the English race that he spent his life in
+fighting. Yet that is what did happen, though not till long
+afterwards, when the victorious English, in their turn, bent before
+their conquering kinsmen, the Normans.
+
+Now in the reign of the third Norman king, Henry I., there lived a
+certain Welsh priest known as Geoffrey of Monmouth. Geoffrey seems
+to have been much about the Court, and perhaps it was the Norman
+love of stories that first made him think of writing his _History
+of the British Kings_. A wonderful tale he told of all the British
+kings from the time that Brut the Trojan settled in the country and
+called it, after himself, Britain! For Geoffrey's book was history
+only in name. What he tells us is that he was given an ancient
+chronicle found in Brittany, and was asked to translate it from
+Welsh into the better known language, Latin. It is hardly likely,
+however, that Geoffrey himself expected his statement to be taken
+quite seriously. Even in his own day, not every one believed in
+him, for a certain Yorkshire monk declared that the historian had
+"lied saucily and shamelessly"; and some years later, Gerald the
+Welshman tells of a man who had intercourse with devils, from whose
+sway, however, he could be freed if a Bible were placed upon his
+breast, whereas he was completely under their control if Geoffrey's
+_History_ were laid upon him, just because the book was so full of
+lies.
+
+It is quite certain that Geoffrey did not write history, but he did
+make a capital story, partly by collecting legends about British
+heroes, partly by inventing stories of his own; so that though he
+is not entitled to fame as an historian, he may claim to rank high
+as a romantic story-teller who set a fashion destined to last for
+some three centuries.
+
+So popular was his book that, not only in England, but, in an even
+greater degree, on the Continent, writers were soon at work,
+collecting and making more stories about the greatest of his kings,
+Arthur. By some it is thought that the Normans took such delight in
+the knightly deeds of Geoffrey's heroes that they spread the story
+in France when they visited their homes in Normandy. Moreover, they
+were in a good position to learn other tales of their favourite
+knights, for Normandy bordered on Brittany, the home of the
+Bretons, who, being of the same race as the Welsh, honoured the
+same heroes in their legends. So in return for Geoffrey's tales,
+Breton stories, perhaps, found their way into England; at all
+events, marvellous romances of King Arthur and his Round Table were
+soon being told in England, in France, in Germany and in Italy.
+
+Now, to some it may seem strange that story-tellers should care to
+weave their stories so constantly about the same personages;
+strange, too, that they should invent stories about men and women
+who were believed actually to have existed. But it must be
+remembered that, in those early days, very few could read and
+write, and that, before printing was invented, books were so scarce
+that four or five constituted quite a library. Those who knew how
+to read, and were so fortunate as to have books, read them again
+and again. For the rest, though kings and great nobles might have
+poets attached to their courts, the majority depended for their
+amusement on the professional story-teller. In the long winter
+evening, no one was more welcome than the wandering minstrel. He
+might be the knightly troubadour who, accompanied by a jongleur to
+play his accompaniments, wandered from place to place out of sheer
+love of his art and of adventure; more often, however, the minstrel
+made story-telling his trade, and gained his living from the bounty
+of his audience--be it in castle, market-place, or inn. Most
+commonly, the narratives took the form of long rhyming poems; not
+because the people in those days were so poetical--indeed, some of
+these poems would be thought, in present times, very dreary
+doggerel--but because rhyme is easier to remember than prose.
+Story-tellers had generally much the same stock-in-trade--stories
+of Arthur, Charlemagne, Sir Guy of Warwick, Sir Bevis of
+Southampton, and so on. If a minstrel had skill of his own, he
+would invent some new episode, and so, perhaps, turn a compliment
+to his patron by introducing the exploit of an ancestor, at the
+same time that he made his story last longer. People did not weary
+of hearing the same tales over and over again, any more than little
+children get tired of nursery rhymes, or their elders turn away
+from "Punch and Judy," though the same little play has been
+performed for centuries. As for inventing stories about real
+people, that may well have seemed permissible in an age when
+historians recorded mere hearsay as actual fact. Richard III.,
+perhaps, had one shoulder higher than the other, but within a few
+years of his death grave historians had represented him as a
+hunchbacked deformity.
+
+The romances connected with King Arthur and his knights went on
+steadily growing in number until the fifteenth century; of them,
+some have survived to the present day, but undoubtedly many have
+been lost. Then, in the latter half of the fifteenth century, the
+most famous of all the Arthurian stories was given to the world in
+Sir Thomas Malory's _Morte D'Arthur_. By good luck, the great
+printer who made it one of his first works, has left an account of
+the circumstances that led to its production. In the reign of
+Edward IV., William Caxton set up his printing-press (the first in
+England) in the precincts of Westminster Abbey. There he was
+visited, as he himself relates, by "many noble and divers gentlemen"
+demanding why he had not printed the "noble history of the Saint Grail
+and of the most-renowned Christian King ... Arthur." To please them,
+and because he himself loved chivalry, Caxton printed Sir Thomas
+Malory's story, in which all that is best in the many Arthurian
+romances is woven into one grand narrative.
+
+Since then, in our own days, the story of Arthur and his knights
+has been told in beautiful verse by Lord Tennyson; but for the
+originals of some of his poems it would be useless to look in
+Malory. The story of Geraint and Enid, Tennyson derived from a very
+interesting collection of translations of ancient Welsh stories
+made by Lady Charlotte Guest, and by her called _Mabinogion_,[1]
+although not all Welsh scholars would consider the name quite
+accurate.
+
+[Footnote 1: Meaning the apprentices of the bards.]
+
+And now it is time to say something about the stories themselves.
+The Arthur of history was engaged in a life-long struggle with an
+enemy that threatened to rob his people of home, of country, and of
+freedom; in the stories, the king and his knights, like Richard
+Coeur-de-Lion, sought adventure for adventure's sake, or, as in the
+case of Sir Peredur, took fantastic vows for the love of a lady.
+The Knights of the Round Table are sheathed from head to foot in
+plate armour, although the real Arthur's warriors probably had only
+shirts of mail and shields with which to ward off the blows of the
+enemy. They live in moated castles instead of in halls of wood,
+and they are more often engaged in tournaments than in struggles
+with the heathen. In fact, those who wrote the stories represented
+their heroes as living such lives as they themselves led. Just in
+the same way, Dutch painters used to represent the shepherds in the
+Bible story as Dutch peasants; just so David Garrick, the great
+actor of the eighteenth century, used to act the part of a Roman in
+his own full-bottomed wig and wide-skirted coat.
+
+It must not be forgotten that, in those far-away days when there
+were few who could even read or write, there was little that, in
+their ignorance, people were not prepared to believe. Stories of
+marvels and magic that would deceive no one now, were then eagerly
+accepted as truth. Those were the days when philosophers expected
+to discover the Elixir of Life; when doctors consulted the stars in
+treating their patients; when a noble of the royal blood, such as
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, could fall into disgrace because his
+wife was accused of trying to compass the king's death by melting a
+wax image of him before a slow fire.
+
+Of all the stories, perhaps the most mystical is that of the Quest
+of the Holy Grail, and it has features peculiar to itself. Nuns
+take the place of fair ladies; there are hermitages instead of
+castles; and the knights themselves, if they do not die, become
+monks or hermits. The reason for this change in scene and character
+is, that this is a romance in which the Church was trying to teach
+men, by means of a tale such as they loved, the lesson of devotion
+and purity of heart.
+
+The story sprang from certain legends which had grown up about the
+name of Joseph of Arimathea. It was related that, when our Lord was
+crucified, Joseph caught in a dish, or vessel, the blood which
+flowed from His wounded side. In later years, the pious Jew left
+his home and, taking with him the precious vessel, sailed away on
+unknown seas until he came to the land of Britain. In that country
+he landed, and at Glastonbury he built himself a hermitage, where
+he treasured the sacred dish which came to be known as the Saint
+Grail. After Joseph's death, the world grew more wicked, and so the
+Holy Grail disappeared from the sight of sinful men, although, from
+time to time, the vision of it was granted, as in the story, to the
+pure in heart.
+
+In later days, legend said that where Joseph's hermitage had stood,
+there grew up the famous monastery of Glastonbury, and it came to
+have a special importance of its own in the Arthurian romance. In
+the reign of Henry II., by the king's orders, the monks of
+Glastonbury made search for the grave of King Arthur, and, in due
+time, they announced that they had found it, nine feet below the
+soil, the coffin covered with a stone in which was inlaid a leaden
+cross bearing this inscription: "Hic iacet sepultus inclitus rex
+Arthurius in insula Avalonia." Some, however, suggested that the
+monks, less honest than anxious to please the masterful king, had
+first placed the stone in position and then found it!
+
+One more feature of the tales remains to be mentioned: their
+geography. There is no atlas that will make it plain in all cases; and
+this is hardly wonderful, for so little was known of this subject
+that, even in the reign of Henry VIII., the learned Lord Berners was
+quite satisfied that his hero should journey to Babylon by way of the
+Nile! Some of the places mentioned in the stories are, of course,
+familiar, and others, less well known, can, with a little care, be
+traced; but to identify all is not possible. Caerleon, where King
+Arthur so often held his Court, still bears the same name, though its
+glory has sorely shrank since the days when it had a bishop of its
+own. Camelot, where stood the marvellous palace built for the king by
+Merlin, is perhaps the village of Queen's Camel in Somersetshire. If
+it is borne in mind that the French call Wales _Pays de Galles_, it is
+not difficult to see that North Galis may well be North Wales. Gore is
+the peninsula of Gower; Liones probably the land south-west of
+Cornwall, now sunk beneath the sea; and Avalonia was the name given to
+one of the many small islands of the once marshy, low-lying shore of
+Somersetshire, which became afterwards better known as Glastonbury.
+
+Happily, it is neither on their history nor on their geography that
+the tales depend for their interest. As long as a story of adventure
+thrills; as long as gentleness, courtesy and consideration for the
+weak excite respect, so long will be read the tales of the brave times
+
+     "When every morning brought a noble chance,
+     And every chance brought out a noble knight."
+
+
+
+
+STORIES FROM LE MORTE D'ARTHUR AND THE MABINOGION
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I
+
+THE COMING OF ARTHUR
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+OF ARTHUR'S BIRTH; AND HOW HE BECAME KING
+
+
+Long years ago, there ruled over Britain a king called Uther
+Pendragon. A mighty prince was he, and feared by all men; yet, when
+he sought the love of the fair Igraine of Cornwall, she would have
+naught to do with him, so that, from grief and disappointment,
+Uther fell sick, and at last seemed like to die.
+
+Now in those days, there lived a famous magician named Merlin, so
+powerful that he could change his form at will, or even make
+himself invisible; nor was there any place so remote but that he
+could reach it at once, merely by wishing himself there. One day,
+suddenly he stood at Uther's bedside, and said: "Sir King, I know
+thy grief, and am ready to help thee. Only promise to give me, at
+his birth, the son that shall be born to thee, and thou shalt have
+thy heart's desire." To this the king agreed joyfully, and Merlin
+kept his word: for he gave Uther the form of one whom Igraine had
+loved dearly, and so she took him willingly for her husband.
+
+When the time had come that a child should be born to the King and
+Queen, Merlin appeared before Uther to remind him of his promise;
+and Uther swore it should be as he had said. Three days later, a
+prince was born, and, with pomp and ceremony, was christened by the
+name of Arthur; but immediately thereafter, the King commanded that
+the child should be carried to the postern-gate, there to be given
+to the old man who would be found waiting without.
+
+Not long after, Uther fell sick, and he knew that his end was come;
+so, by Merlin's advice, he called together his knights and barons,
+and said to them: "My death draws near. I charge you, therefore,
+that ye obey my son even as ye have obeyed me; and my curse upon
+him if he claim not the crown when he is a man grown." Then the
+King turned his face to the wall and died.
+
+Scarcely was Uther laid in his grave before disputes arose. Few of
+the nobles had seen Arthur or even heard of him, and not one of
+them would have been willing to be ruled by a child; rather, each
+thought himself fitted to be king, and, strengthening his own
+castle, made war on his neighbours until confusion alone was
+supreme, and the poor groaned because there was none to help them.
+
+Now when Merlin carried away Arthur--for Merlin was the old man who
+had stood at the postern-gate--he had known all that would happen,
+and had taken the child to keep him safe from the fierce barons
+until he should be of age to rule wisely and well, and perform all
+the wonders prophesied of him. He gave the child to the care of the
+good knight Sir Ector to bring up with his son Kay, but revealed
+not to him that it was the son of Uther Pendragon that was given
+into his charge.
+
+At last, when years had passed and Arthur was grown a tall youth
+well skilled in knightly exercises, Merlin went to the Archbishop
+of Canterbury and advised him that he should call together at
+Christmas-time all the chief men of the realm to the great
+cathedral in London; "For," said Merlin, "there shall be seen a
+great marvel by which it shall be made clear to all men who is the
+lawful King of this land." The Archbishop did as Merlin counselled.
+Under pain of a fearful curse, he bade barons and knights come to
+London to keep the feast, and to pray heaven to send peace to the
+realm.
+
+The people hastened to obey the Archbishop's commands, and, from
+all sides, barons and knights came riding in to keep the
+birth-feast of our Lord. And when they had prayed, and were coming
+forth from the cathedral, they saw a strange sight. There, in the
+open space before the church, stood, on a great stone, an anvil
+thrust through with a sword; and on the stone were written these
+words: "Whoso can draw forth this sword, is rightful King of
+Britain born."
+
+At once there were fierce quarrels, each man clamouring to be the
+first to try his fortune, none doubting his own success. Then the
+Archbishop decreed that each should make the venture in turn, from
+the greatest baron to the least knight; and each in turn, having
+put forth his utmost strength, failed to move the sword one inch,
+and drew back ashamed. So the Archbishop dismissed the company, and
+having appointed guards to watch over the stone, sent messengers
+through all the land to give word of great jousts to be held in
+London at Easter, when each knight could give proof of his skill
+and courage, and try whether the adventure of the sword was for
+him.
+
+Among those who rode to London at Easter was the good Sir Ector,
+and with him his son, Sir Kay, newly made a knight, and the young
+Arthur. When the morning came that the jousts should begin, Sir Kay
+and Arthur mounted their horses and set out for the lists; but
+before they reached the field, Kay looked and saw that he had left
+his sword behind. Immediately Arthur turned back to fetch it for
+him, only to find the house fast shut, for all were gone to view
+the tournament. Sore vexed was Arthur, fearing lest his brother Kay
+should lose his chance of gaining glory, till, of a sudden, he
+bethought him of the sword in the great anvil before the cathedral.
+Thither he rode with all speed, and the guards having deserted
+their post to view the tournament, there was none to forbid him the
+adventure. He leaped from his horse, seized the hilt, and instantly
+drew forth the sword as easily as from a scabbard; then, mounting
+his horse and thinking no marvel of what he had done, he rode after
+his brother and handed him the weapon.
+
+When Kay looked at it, he saw at once that it was the wondrous
+sword from the stone. In great joy he sought his father, and
+showing it to him, said: "Then must I be King of Britain." But Sir
+Ector bade him say how he came by the sword, and when Sir Kay told
+how Arthur had brought it to him, Sir Ector bent his knee to the
+boy, and said: "Sir, I perceive that ye are my King, and here I
+tender you my homage"; and Kay did as his father. Then the three
+sought the Archbishop, to whom they related all that had happened;
+and he, much marvelling, called the people together to the great
+stone, and bade Arthur thrust back the sword and draw it forth
+again in the presence of all, which he did with ease. But an angry
+murmur arose from the barons, who cried that what a boy could do, a
+man could do; so, at the Archbishop's word, the sword was put back,
+and each man, whether baron or knight, tried in his turn to draw it
+forth, and failed. Then, for the third time, Arthur drew forth the
+sword. Immediately there arose from the people a great shout:
+"Arthur is King! Arthur is King! We will have no King but Arthur";
+and, though the great barons scowled and threatened, they fell on
+their knees before him while the Archbishop placed the crown upon
+his head, and swore to obey him faithfully as their lord and
+sovereign.
+
+Thus Arthur was made King; and to all he did justice, righting
+wrongs and giving to all their dues. Nor was he forgetful of those
+that had been his friends; for Kay, whom he loved as a brother, he
+made Seneschal and chief of his household, and to Sir Ector, his
+foster-father, he gave broad lands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE ROUND TABLE
+
+
+Thus Arthur was made King, but he had to fight for his own; for
+eleven great kings drew together and refused to acknowledge him as
+their lord, and chief amongst the rebels was King Lot of Orkney who
+had married Arthur's sister, Bellicent.
+
+By Merlin's advice, Arthur sent for help overseas, to Ban and Bors,
+the two great Kings who ruled in Gaul. With their aid, he overthrew
+his foes in a great battle near the river Trent; and then he passed
+with them into their own lands and helped them drive out their
+enemies. So there was ever great friendship between Arthur and the
+Kings Ban and Bors, and all their kindred; and afterwards some of
+the most famous Knights of the Round Table were of that kin.
+
+Then King Arthur set himself to restore order throughout his
+kingdom. To all who would submit and amend their evil ways, he
+showed kindness; but those who persisted in oppression and wrong he
+removed, putting in their places others who would deal justly with
+the people. And because the land had become overrun with forest
+during the days of misrule, he cut roads through the thickets, that
+no longer wild beasts and men, fiercer than the beasts, should lurk
+in their gloom, to the harm of the weak and defenceless. Thus it
+came to pass that soon the peasant ploughed his fields in safety,
+and where had been wastes, men dwelt again in peace and prosperity.
+
+Amongst the lesser kings whom Arthur helped to rebuild their towns
+and restore order, was King Leodegrance of Cameliard. Now
+Leodegrance had one fair child, his daughter Guenevere; and from
+the time that first he saw her, Arthur gave her all his love. So he
+sought counsel of Merlin, his chief adviser. Merlin heard the King
+sorrowfully, and he said: "Sir King, when a man's heart is set, he
+may not change. Yet had it been well if ye had loved another."
+
+So the King sent his knights to Leodegrance, to ask of him his
+daughter; and Leodegrance consented, rejoicing to wed her to so
+good and knightly a King. With great pomp, the princess was
+conducted to Canterbury, and there the King met her, and they two
+were wed by the Archbishop in the great Cathedral, amid the
+rejoicings of the people.
+
+On that same day did Arthur found his Order of the Round Table, the
+fame of which was to spread throughout Christendom and endure
+through all time. Now the Round Table had been made for King Uther
+Pendragon by Merlin, who had meant thereby to set forth plainly to
+all men the roundness of the earth. After Uther died, King
+Leodegrance had possessed it; but when Arthur was wed, he sent it
+to him as a gift, and great was the King's joy at receiving it. One
+hundred and fifty knights might take their places about it, and for
+them Merlin made sieges or seats. One hundred and twenty-eight did
+Arthur knight at that great feast; thereafter, if any sieges were
+empty, at the high festival of Pentecost new knights were ordained
+to fill them, and by magic was the name of each knight found
+inscribed, in letters of gold, in his proper siege. One seat only
+long remained unoccupied, and that was the Siege Perilous. No
+knight might occupy it until the coming of Sir Galahad; for,
+without danger to his life, none might sit there who was not free
+from all stain of sin.
+
+With pomp and ceremony did each knight take upon him the vows of
+true knighthood: to obey the King; to show mercy to all who asked
+it; to defend the weak; and for no worldly gain to fight in a
+wrongful cause: and all the knights rejoiced together, doing honour
+to Arthur and to his Queen. Then they rode forth to right the wrong
+and help the oppressed, and by their aid, the King held his realm
+in peace, doing justice to all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+OF THE FINDING OF EXCALIBUR
+
+
+Now when Arthur was first made King, as young knights will, he
+courted peril for its own sake, and often would he ride unattended
+by lonely forest ways, seeking the adventure that chance might send
+him. All unmindful was he of the ruin to his realm if mischief
+befell him; and even his trusty counsellors, though they grieved
+that he should thus imperil him, yet could not but love him the
+more for his hardihood.
+
+So, on a day, he rode through the Forest Perilous where dwelt the
+Lady Annoure, a sorceress of great might, who used her magic powers
+but for the furtherance of her own desires. And as she looked from
+a turret window, she descried King Arthur come riding down a forest
+glade, and the sunbeams falling upon him made one glory of his
+armour and of his yellow hair. Then, as Annoure gazed upon the
+King, her heart grew hot within her, and she resolved that, come
+what might, she would have him for her own, to dwell with her
+always and fulfil all her behests. And so she bade lower the
+drawbridge and raise the portcullis, and sallying forth accompanied
+by her maidens, she gave King Arthur courteous salutation, and
+prayed him that he would rest within her castle that day, for that
+she had a petition to make to him; and Arthur, doubting nothing of
+her good faith, suffered himself to be led within.
+
+Then was a great feast spread, and Annoure caused the King to be
+seated in a chair of state at her right hand, while squires and
+pages served him on bended knee. So when they had feasted, the King
+turned to the Lady Annoure and said courteously: "Lady, somewhat ye
+said of a request that ye would make. If there be aught in which I
+may pleasure you, I pray you let me know it, and I will serve you
+as knightly as I may." "In truth," said the lady, "there is that
+which I would fain entreat of you, most noble knight; yet suffer, I
+beseech you, that first I may show you somewhat of my castle and my
+estate, and then will I crave a boon of your chivalry." Then the
+sorceress led King Arthur from room to room of her castle, and ever
+each displayed greater store of beauty than the last. In some the
+walls were hung with rich tapestries, in others they gleamed with
+precious stones; and the King marvelled what might be the petition
+of one that was mistress of such wealth. Lastly, Annoure brought
+the King out upon the battlements, and as he gazed around him, he
+saw that, since he had entered the castle, there had sprung up
+about it triple walls of defence that shut out wholly the forest
+from view. Then turned he to Annoure, and gravely he said: "Lady,
+greatly I marvel in what a simple knight may pleasure one that is
+mistress of so wondrous a castle as ye have shown me here; yet if
+there be aught in which I may render you knightly service, right
+gladly would I hear it now, for I must forth upon my way to render
+service to those whose knight I am sworn." "Nay, now, King
+Arthur," answered the sorceress mockingly, "ye may not think to
+deceive me; for well I know you, and that all Britain bows to your
+behest." "The more reason then that I should ride forth to right
+wrong and succour them that, of their loyalty, render true
+obedience to their lord." "Ye speak as a fool," said the sorceress;
+"why should one that may command be at the beck and call of every
+hind and slave within his realm? Nay, rest thee here with me, and I
+will make thee ruler of a richer land than Britain, and give thee
+to satisfy thy every desire." "Lady," said the King sternly, "I
+will hear and judge of your petition at this time, and then will I
+forth upon my way." "Nay," said Annoure, "there needs not this
+harshness. I did but speak for thine advantage. Only vow thee to my
+service, and there is naught that thou canst desire that thou shalt
+not possess. Thou shalt be lord of this fair castle and of the
+mighty powers that obey me. Why waste thy youth in hardship and in
+the service of such as shall render thee little enough again?"
+
+Thereupon, without ever a word, the King turned him about and made
+for the turret stair by which he had ascended, but nowhere could he
+find it. Then said the sorceress, mocking him: "Fair sir, how think
+ye to escape without my good-will? See ye not the walls that guard
+my stronghold? And think ye that I have not servants enow to do my
+bidding?" She clapped her hands and forthwith there appeared a
+company of squires who, at her command, seized the King and bore
+him away to a strong chamber where they locked him in.
+
+And so the King abode that night, the prisoner of that evil
+sorceress, with little hope that day, when it dawned, should bring
+him better cheer. Yet lost he not courage, but kept watch and vigil
+the night through lest the powers of evil should assail him
+unawares. And with the early morning light, Annoure came to visit
+him. More stately she seemed than the night before, more tall and
+more terrible; and her dress was one blaze of flashing gems, so
+that scarce could the eye look upon her. As a queen might address a
+vassal, so greeted she the King, and as condescending to one of low
+estate, asked how he had fared that night. And the King made
+answer: "I have kept vigil as behoves a knight who, knowing him to
+be in the midst of danger, would bear himself meetly in any peril
+that should offer." And the Lady Annoure, admiring his knightly
+courage, desired more earnestly even than before to win him to her
+will, and she said: "Sir Arthur, I know well your courage and
+knightly fame, and greatly do I desire to keep you with me. Stay
+with me and I promise you that ye shall bear sway over a wider
+realm than any that ever ye heard of, and I, even I, its mistress,
+will be at your command. And what lose ye if ye accept my offer?
+Little enough, I ween, for never think that ye shall win the world
+from evil and men to loyalty and truth." Then answered the King in
+anger: "Full well I see that thou art in league with evil and that
+thou but seekest to turn me from my purpose. I defy thee, foul
+sorceress. Do thy worst; though thou slay me, thou shalt never sway
+me to thy will"; and therewith the King raised his cross-hilted
+sword before her. Then the lady quailed at that sight. Her heart
+was filled with hate, but she said: "Go your way, proud King of a
+petty realm. Rule well your race of miserable mortals, since more
+it pleasures you than to bear sway over the powers of the air. I
+keep you not against your will." With these words, she passed from
+the chamber, and the King heard her give command to her squires to
+set him without her gates, give him his horse, and suffer him to go
+on his way.
+
+And so it came to pass that the King found himself once more at
+large, and marvelled to have won so lightly to liberty. Yet knew he
+not the depths of treachery in the heart of Annoure; for when she
+found she might not prevail with the King, she bethought her how,
+by mortal means, she might bring the King to dishonour and death.
+And so, by her magic art, she caused the King to follow a path that
+brought him to a fountain, whereby a knight had his tent, and, for
+love of adventure, held the way against all comers. Now this knight
+was Sir Pellinore, and at that time he had not his equal for
+strength and knightly skill, nor had any been found that might
+stand against him. So, as the King drew nigh, Pellinore cried:
+"Stay, knight, for none passes this way except he joust with me."
+"That is no good custom," said the King; "it were well that ye
+followed it no more." "It is my custom, and I will follow it
+still," answered Pellinore; "if ye like it not, amend it if ye
+may." "I will do my endeavour," said Arthur, "but, as ye see, I
+have no spear." "Nay, I seek not to have you at advantage,"
+replied Pellinore, and bade his squire give Arthur a spear. Then
+they dressed their shields, laid their lances in rest, and rushed
+upon each other. Now the King was wearied by his night's vigil, and
+the strength of Pellinore was as the strength of three men; so, at
+the first encounter, Arthur was unhorsed. Then said he: "I have
+lost the honour on horseback, but now will I encounter thee with my
+sword and on foot." "I, too, will alight," said Pellinore; "small
+honour to me were it if I slew thee on foot, I being horsed the
+while." So they encountered each other on foot, and so fiercely
+they fought that they hewed off great pieces of each other's armour
+and the ground was dyed with their blood. But at the last, Arthur's
+sword broke off short at the hilt, and so he stood all defenceless
+before his foe. "I have thee now," cried Pellinore; "yield thee as
+recreant or I will slay thee." "That will I never," said the King,
+"slay me if thou canst." Then he sprang on Pellinore, caught him by
+the middle, and flung him to the ground, himself falling with him.
+And Sir Pellinore marvelled, for never before had he encountered so
+bold and resolute a foe; but exerting his great strength, he rolled
+himself over, and so brought Arthur beneath him. Then had Arthur
+perished, but at that moment Merlin stood beside him, and when Sir
+Pellinore would have struck off the King's head, stayed his blow,
+crying: "Pellinore, if thou slayest this knight, thou puttest the
+whole realm in peril; for this is none other than King Arthur
+himself." Then was Pellinore filled with dread, and cried: "Better
+make an end of him at once; for if I suffer him to live, what hope
+have I of his grace, that have dealt with him so sorely?" But
+before Pellinore could strike, Merlin caused a deep sleep to come
+upon him; and raising King Arthur from the ground, he staunched his
+wounds and recovered him of his swoon.
+
+But when the King came to himself, he saw his foe lie, still as in
+death, on the ground beside him; and he was grieved, and said:
+"Merlin, what have ye done to this brave knight? Nay, if ye have
+slain him, I shall grieve my life long; for a good knight he is,
+bold and a fair fighter, though something wanting in knightly
+courtesy." "He is in better case than ye are, Sir King, who so
+lightly imperil your person, and thereby your kingdom's welfare;
+and, as ye say, Pellinore is a stout knight, and hereafter shall he
+serve you well. Have no fear. He shall wake again in three hours
+and have suffered naught by the encounter. But for you, it were
+well that ye came where ye might be tended for your wounds." "Nay,"
+replied the King, smiling, "I may not return to my court thus
+weaponless; first will I find means to purvey me of a sword." "That
+is easily done," answered Merlin; "follow me, and I will bring you
+where ye shall get you a sword, the wonder of the world."
+
+So, though his wounds pained him sore, the King followed Merlin by
+many a forest path and glade, until they came upon a mere, bosomed
+deep in the forest; and as he looked thereon, the King beheld an
+arm, clothed in white samite, shoot above the surface of the lake,
+and in the hand was a fair sword that gleamed in the level rays of
+the setting sun. "This is a great marvel," said the King, "what may
+it mean?" And Merlin made answer: "Deep is this mere, so deep
+indeed that no man may fathom it; but in its depths, and built upon
+the roots of the mountains, is the palace of the Lady of the Lake.
+Powerful is she with a power that works ever for good, and she
+shall help thee in thine hour of need. For thee has she wrought
+yonder sword. Go now, and take it."
+
+Then was Arthur aware of a little skiff, half hidden among the
+bulrushes that fringed the lake; and leaping into the boat, without
+aid of oar, he was wafted out into the middle of the lake, to the
+place where, out of the water, rose the arm and sword. And leaning
+from the skiff, he took the sword from the hand, which forthwith
+vanished, and immediately thereafter the skiff bore him back to
+land.
+
+Arthur drew from its scabbard the mighty sword, wondering the while
+at the marvel of its workmanship, for the hilt shone with the light
+of many twinkling gems--diamond and topaz and emerald, and many
+another whose names none know. And as he looked on the blade,
+Arthur was aware of mystic writings on the one side and the other,
+and calling to Merlin, he bade him interpret them. "Sir," said
+Merlin, "on the one side is written 'Keep me,' and on the other
+'Throw me away.'" "Then," said the King, "which does it behove me
+to do?" "Keep it," answered Merlin; "the time to cast it away is
+not yet come. This is the good brand Excalibur, or Cut Steel, and
+well shall it serve you. But what think ye of the scabbard?" "A
+fair cover for so good a sword," answered Arthur. "Nay, it is more
+than that," said Merlin, "for, so long as ye keep it, though ye be
+wounded never so sore, yet ye shall not bleed to death." And when
+he heard that, the King marvelled the more.
+
+Then they journeyed back to Caerleon, where the knights made great
+joy of the return of their lord. And presently, thither came Sir
+Pellinore, craving pardon of the King, who made but jest of his own
+misadventure. And afterwards Sir Pellinore became of the Table
+Round, a knight vowed, not only to deeds of hardihood, but also to
+gentleness and courtesy; and faithfully he served the King,
+fighting ever to maintain justice and put down wrong, and to defend
+the weak from the oppressor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+OF THE TREACHERY OF QUEEN MORGAN LE FAY
+
+
+There was a certain Queen whose name was Morgan le Fay, and she was
+a powerful sorceress. Little do men know of her save that, in her
+youth, she was eager for knowledge and, having learnt all human
+lore, turned her to magic, becoming so skilled therein that she was
+feared of all. There was a time when great was her enmity towards
+King Arthur, so that she plotted his ruin not once only nor twice;
+and that is a strange thing, for it is said that she herself was
+the kinswoman of the King. And truly, in the end, she repented her
+of her malice, for she was, of those that came to bear Arthur to
+the Delightful Islands from the field of his last bitter conflict;
+but that was long after.
+
+Now when this enchantress learned how the Lady of the Lake had
+given the King a sword and scabbard of strange might, she was
+filled with ill-will; and all her thought was only how she might
+wrest the weapon from him and have it for her own, to bestow as she
+would. Even while she pondered thereon, the King himself sent her
+the scabbard to keep for him; for Merlin never ceased to warn the
+King to have in safe keeping the scabbard that had power to keep
+him from mortal hurt; and it seemed to Arthur that none might
+better guard it for him, till the hour of need, than Morgan le Fay,
+the wise Queen that was of his own kindred. Yet was not the Queen
+shamed of her treacherous intent by the trust that Arthur had in
+her; but all her mind was set on how she might win to the
+possession of the sword itself as well as of the scabbard. At the
+last--so had her desire for the sword wrought upon her--she
+resolved to compass the destruction of the King that, if she gained
+the sword, never might she have need to fear his justice for the
+wrong she had done.
+
+And her chance came soon. For, on a day, King Arthur resolved to
+chase the hart in the forests near Camelot, wherefore he left
+behind him his sword Excalibur, and took but a hunting spear with
+him. All day long, he chased a white hart and, when evening fell,
+he had far outstripped his attendants, save only two, Sir Accolon
+of Gaul and Sir Uriens, King of Gore, the husband of Queen Morgan
+le Fay herself. So when the King saw that darkness had come upon
+them in the forest, he turned to his companions, saying: "Sirs, we
+be far from Camelot and must lodge as we may this night. Let us go
+forward until we shall find where we may shelter us a little." So
+they rode forward, and presently Arthur espied a little lake
+glinting in the beams of the rising moon, and, as they drew nearer,
+they descried, full in the moonlight, a little ship, all hung with
+silks even to the water's edge. Then said the King to his knights:
+"Yonder is promise of shelter or, it may be, of adventure. Let us
+tether our horses in the thicket and enter into this little ship."
+And when they had so done, presently they found themselves in a
+fair cabin all hung with silks and tapestries, and, in its midst, a
+table spread with the choicest fare. And being weary and hungered
+with the chase, they ate of the feast prepared and, lying down to
+rest, were soon sunk in deep slumber.
+
+While they slept, the little ship floated away from the land, and
+it came to pass that a great wonder befell; for when they woke in
+the morning, King Uriens found himself at home in his own land, and
+Sir Accolon was in his own chamber at Camelot; but the King lay a
+prisoner, bound and fettered and weaponless, in a noisome dungeon
+that echoed to the groans of hapless captives.
+
+When he was come to himself, King Arthur looked about him and saw
+that his companions were knights in the same hard case as himself;
+and he inquired of them how they came to be in that plight. "Sir,"
+said one of them, "we are in duresse in the castle of a certain
+recreant knight, Sir Damas by name, a coward false to chivalry.
+None love him, and so no champion can he find to maintain his cause
+in a certain quarrel that he has in hand. For this reason, he lies
+in wait with a great company of soldiers for any knights that may
+pass this way, and taking them prisoners, holds them in captivity
+unless they will undertake to fight to the death in his cause. And
+this I would not, nor any of my companions here; but unless we be
+speedily rescued, we are all like to die of hunger in this
+loathsome dungeon." "What is his quarrel?" asked the King. "That we
+none of us know," answered the knight.
+
+While they yet talked, there entered the prison a damsel. She went
+up to the King at once, and said: "Knight, will ye undertake to
+fight in the cause of the lord of this castle?" "That I may not
+say," replied the King, "unless first I may hear what is his
+quarrel." "That ye shall not know," replied the damsel, "but this I
+tell you: if ye refuse, ye shall never leave this dungeon alive,
+but shall perish here miserably." "This is a hard case," said the
+King, "that I must either die or fight for one I know not, and in a
+cause that I may not hear. Yet on one condition will I undertake
+your lord's quarrel, and that is that he shall give me all the
+prisoners bound here in this dungeon." "It shall be as ye say,"
+answered the damsel, "and ye shall also be furnished with horse and
+armour and sword than which ye never saw better." Therewith the
+damsel bade him follow her, and brought him to a great hall where
+presently there came to him squires to arm him for the combat; and
+when their service was rendered, the damsel said to him: "Sir
+Knight, even now there has come one who greets you in the name of
+Queen Morgan le Fay, and bids me tell you that the Queen, knowing
+your need, has sent you your good sword." Then the King rejoiced
+greatly, for it seemed to him that the sword that the damsel gave
+him was none other than the good sword Excalibur.
+
+When all was prepared, the damsel led King Arthur into a fair
+field, and there he beheld awaiting him a knight, all sheathed in
+armour, his vizor down, and bearing a shield on which was no
+blazonry. So the two knights saluted each other, and, wheeling
+their horses, rode away from each other some little space.
+
+Then turning again, they laid lance in rest, and rushing upon each
+other, encountered with the noise of thunder, and so great was the
+shock that each knight was borne from the saddle. Swiftly they
+gained their feet, and, drawing their swords, dealt each other
+great blows; and thus they contended fiercely for some while. But
+as he fought, a great wonder came upon Arthur, for it seemed to him
+that his sword, that never before had failed him, bit not upon the
+armour of the other, while every stroke of his enemy drew blood,
+till the ground on which he fought was slippery beneath his feet;
+and at the last almost his heart failed within him, knowing that he
+was betrayed, and that the brand with which he fought was not
+Excalibur. Yet would he not show aught of what he suffered, but
+struggled on, faint as he was and spent; so that they that watched
+the fight and saw how he was sore wounded, marvelled at his great
+courage and endurance. But presently, the stranger knight dealt the
+King a blow which fell upon Arthur's sword, and so fierce was the
+stroke that the blade broke off at the pommel. "Knight," said the
+other, "thou must yield thee recreant to my mercy." "That may I not
+do with mine honour," answered the King, "for I am sworn to fight
+in this quarrel to the death." "But weaponless thou must needs be
+slain." "Slay me an ye will, but think not to win glory by slaying
+a weaponless man."
+
+Then was the other wroth to find himself still withstood and, in
+his anger, he dealt Arthur a great blow; but this the King shunned,
+and rushing upon his foe, smote him so fiercely on the head with
+the pommel of his broken sword that the knight swayed and let slip
+his own weapon. With a bound, Arthur was upon the sword, and no
+sooner had he it within his grasp than he knew it, of a truth, to
+be his own sword Excalibur. Then he scanned more closely his enemy,
+and saw the scabbard that he wore was none other than the magic
+scabbard of Excalibur; and forthwith, leaping upon the knight, he
+tore it from him and flung it far afield.
+
+"Knight," cried King Arthur, "ye have made me suffer sore, but now
+is the case changed and ye stand within my power, helpless and
+unarmed. And much I misdoubt me but that treacherously ye have
+dealt with me. Nevertheless, yield you recreant and I will spare
+your life." "That I may not do, for it is against my vow; so slay
+me if ye will. Of a truth, ye are the best knight that ever I
+encountered."
+
+Then it seemed to the King that the knight's voice was not unknown
+to him, and he said: "Tell me your name and what country ye are of,
+for something bids me think that ye are not all unknown to me." "I
+am Accolon of Gaul, knight of King Arthur's Round Table." "Ah!
+Accolon, Accolon," cried the King, "is it even thou that hast
+fought against me? Almost hast thou undone me. What treason tempted
+thee to come against me, and with mine own weapon too?" When Sir
+Accolon knew that it was against King Arthur that he had fought, he
+gave a loud cry and swooned away utterly. Then Arthur called to two
+stout yeomen amongst those that had looked on at the fight, and
+bade them bear Sir Accolon to a little hermitage hard by, and
+thither he himself followed with pain, being weak from loss of
+blood; but into the castle he would not enter, for he trusted not
+those that held it.
+
+The hermit dressed their wounds, and presently, when Sir Accolon
+had come to himself again, the King spoke gently to him, bidding
+him say how he had come to bear arms against him. "Sir and my
+lord," answered Sir Accolon, "it comes of naught but the treachery
+of your kinswoman, Queen Morgan le Fay. For on the morrow after we
+had entered upon the little ship, I awoke in my chamber at Camelot,
+and greatly I marvelled how I had come there. And as I yet
+wondered, there came to me a messenger from Queen Morgan le Fay,
+desiring me to go to her without delay. And when I entered her
+presence, she was as one sore troubled, and she said to me: 'Sir
+Accolon, of my secret power, I know that now is our King, Arthur,
+in great danger; for he lies imprisoned in a great and horrible
+dungeon whence he may not be delivered unless one be found to do
+battle for him with the lord of the castle. Wherefore have I sent
+for you that ye may take the battle upon you for our lord the King.
+And for greater surety, I give you here Excalibur, Arthur's own
+sword, for, of a truth, we should use all means for the rescuing of
+our lord.' And I, believing this evil woman, came hither and
+challenged the lord of this castle to mortal combat; and, indeed, I
+deemed it was with Sir Damas that I fought even now. Yet all was
+treachery, and I misdoubt me that Sir Damas and his people are in
+league with Queen Morgan le Fay to compass your destruction. But,
+my lord Arthur, pardon me, I beseech you, the injuries that, all
+unwitting, I have done you."
+
+King Arthur was filled with wrath against the Queen, more for the
+wrong done to Sir Accolon than for the treason to himself. In all
+ways that he might, he sought to comfort and relieve Sir Accolon,
+but in vain, for daily the knight grew weaker, and, after many
+days, he died. Then the King, being recovered of his wounds,
+returned to Camelot, and calling together a band of knights, led
+them against the castle of Sir Damas. But Damas had no heart to
+attempt to hold out, and surrendered himself and all that he had to
+the King's mercy. And first King Arthur set free those that Sir
+Damas had kept in miserable bondage, and sent them away with rich
+gifts. When he had righted the wrongs of others, then he summoned
+Sir Damas before him, and said: "I command thee that thou tell me
+why thou didst seek my destruction." And cringing low at the King's
+footstool, Damas answered: "I beseech you, deal mercifully with me,
+for all that I have done, I have done at the bidding of Queen
+Morgan le Fay." "A coward's plea," said the King; "how camest thou
+first to have traffic with her?" "Sir," replied Damas, "much have I
+suffered, first by the greed of my younger brother and now by the
+deceit of this evil woman, as ye shall hear. When my father died, I
+claimed the inheritance as of right, seeing that I was his elder
+son; but my young brother, Sir Ontzlake, withstood me, and demanded
+some part of my father's lands. Long since, he sent me a challenge
+to decide our quarrel in single combat, but it liked me ill, seeing
+that I am of no great strength. Much, therefore, did I desire to
+find a champion but, by ill fortune, none could I find until Queen
+Morgan le Fay sent word that, of her good will to me, she had sent
+me one that would defend my cause; and that same evening, the
+little ship brought you, my lord, to my castle. And when I saw you,
+I rejoiced, thinking to have found a champion that would silence my
+brother for ever; nor knew I you for the King's self. Wherefore, I
+entreat you, spare me, and avenge me on my brother." Therewith, Sir
+Damas fawned upon the King, but Arthur sternly bade him rise and
+send messengers to bring Sir Ontzlake before him.
+
+Presently, there stood before the King a youth, fair and of good
+stature, who saluted his lord and then remained silent before him.
+"Sir Ontzlake," said the King, "I have sent for you to know of your
+dealings with Sir Accolon and of your quarrel with your brother."
+"My lord Arthur," answered the youth, "that I was the cause of hurt
+to yourself, I pray you to pardon me, for all unwitting was I of
+evil. For ye shall know that I had challenged my brother to single
+combat; but when word came to me that he was provided of a
+champion, I might not so much as brook my armour for a sore wound
+that I had got of an arrow shot at me as I rode through the forest
+near his castle. And as I grieved for my hard case, there came a
+messenger from Queen Morgan le Fay bidding me be of good courage,
+for she had sent unto me one, Sir Accolon, who would undertake my
+quarrel. This only she commanded me, that I should ask no question
+of Sir Accolon. So Sir Accolon abode with me that night and, as I
+supposed, fought in my cause the next day. Sure am I that there is
+some mystery, yet may I not misdoubt my lady Queen Morgan le Fay
+without cause; wherefore, if blame there be, let me bear the
+punishment."
+
+Then was the King well pleased with the young man for his courage
+and loyalty to others. "Fair youth," said he, "ye shall go with me
+to Camelot, and if ye prove you brave and just in all your doings,
+ye shall be of my Round Table." But to Sir Damas he said sternly:
+"Ye are a mean-spirited varlet, unworthy of the degree of
+knighthood. Here I ordain that ye shall yield unto your brother
+the moiety of the lands that ye had of your father and, in payment
+for it, yearly ye shall receive of Sir Ontzlake a palfrey; for that
+will befit you better to ride than the knightly war-horse. And look
+ye well to it, on pain of death, that ye lie no more in wait for
+errant knights, but amend your life and live peaceably with your
+brother."
+
+Thereafter, the fear of the King kept Sir Damas from deeds of
+violence; yet, to the end, he remained cowardly and churlish,
+unworthy of the golden spurs of knighthood. But Sir Ontzlake proved
+him a valiant knight, fearing God and the King and naught else.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HOW THE SCABBARD OF EXCALIBUR WAS LOST
+
+
+Now when Queen Morgan le Fay knew that her plot had miscarried and
+that her treachery was discovered, she feared to abide the return
+of the King to Camelot; and so she went to Queen Guenevere, and
+said: "Madam, of your courtesy, grant me leave, I pray you, to
+depart." "Nay," said the Queen, "that were pity, for I have news of
+my lord the King, that soon he will return to Camelot. Will ye not
+then await his return, that ye may see your kinsman before ye
+depart?" "Alas! madam," said Morgan le Fay, "that may not be, for
+I have ill news that requires that immediately I get to my own
+country." "Then shall ye depart when ye will," said the Queen.
+
+So before the next day had dawned, Morgan le Fay arose and, taking
+her horse, departed unattended from Camelot. All that day and most
+of the night she rode fast, and ere noon the next day, she was come
+to a nunnery where, as she knew, King Arthur lay. Entering into the
+house, she made herself known to the nuns, who received her
+courteously and gave her of their best to eat and to drink. When
+she was refreshed, she asked if any other had sought shelter with
+them that day; and they told her that King Arthur lay in an inner
+chamber and slept, for he had rested little for three nights. "Ah!
+my dear lord!" exclaimed the false sorceress; "gladly would I speak
+with him, but I will not that ye awaken him, and long I may not
+tarry here; wherefore suffer me at least to look upon him as he
+sleeps, and then will I continue my journey." And the nuns,
+suspecting no treachery, showed Queen Morgan le Fay the room where
+King Arthur slept, and let her enter it alone.
+
+So Morgan le Fay had her will and stood beside the sleeping King;
+but again it seemed as if she must fail of her purpose, and her
+heart was filled with rage and despair. For she saw that the King
+grasped in his hand the hilt of the naked brand, that none might
+take it without awakening him. While she mused, suddenly she espied
+the scabbard where it hung at the foot of the bed, and her heart
+rejoiced to know that something she might gain by her bold
+venture. She snatched up the empty sheath, and wrapping it in a
+fold of her garment, left the chamber. Brief were her farewells to
+the holy nuns, and in haste she got to horse and rode away.
+
+Scarcely had she set forth, when the King awoke, and rising from
+his couch, saw at once that the scabbard of his sword was gone.
+Then summoned he the whole household to his presence and inquired
+who had entered his chamber. "Sir," said the Abbess, "there has
+none been here save only your kinswoman, the Queen Morgan le Fay.
+She, indeed, desired to look upon you since she might not abide
+your awakening." Then the King groaned aloud, saying, "It is my own
+kinswoman, the wife of my true knight, Sir Uriens, that would
+betray me." He bade Sir Ontzlake make ready to accompany him, and
+after courteous salutation to the Abbess and her nuns, together
+they rode forth by the path that Morgan le Fay had taken.
+
+Fast they rode in pursuit, and presently they came to a cross where
+was a poor cowherd keeping watch over his few beasts, and of him
+they asked whether any had passed that way. "Sirs," said the
+peasant, "even now there rode past the cross a lady most lovely to
+look upon, and with her forty knights." Greatly the King marvelled
+how Queen Morgan le Fay had come by such a cavalcade, but nothing
+he doubted that it was she the cowherd had seen. So thanking the
+poor man, the King, with Sir Ontzlake, rode on by the path that had
+been shown them, and presently, emerging from the forest, they were
+aware of a glittering company of horsemen winding through a wide
+plain that lay stretched before them. On the instant, they put
+spurs to their horses and galloped as fast as they might in
+pursuit.
+
+But, as it chanced, Queen Morgan le Fay looked back even as Arthur
+and Sir Ontzlake came forth from the forest, and seeing them, she
+knew at once that her theft had been discovered, and that she was
+pursued. Straightway she bade her knights ride on till they should
+come to a narrow valley where lay many great stones; but as soon as
+they had left her, she herself rode, with all speed, to a mere hard
+by. Sullen and still it lay, without even a ripple on its surface.
+No animal ever drank of its waters nor bird sang by it, and it was
+so deep that none might ever plumb it. And when the Queen had come
+to the brink, she dismounted. From the folds of her dress she drew
+the scabbard, and waving it above her head, she cried, "Whatsoever
+becometh of me, King Arthur shall not have this scabbard." Then,
+whirling it with all her might, she flung it far into the mere. The
+jewels glinted as the scabbard flashed through the air, then it
+clove the oily waters of the lake and sank, never again to be seen.
+
+When it had vanished, Morgan le Fay mounted her horse again, and
+rode fast after her knights, for the King and Ontzlake were in hot
+pursuit, and sore she feared lest they should come up with her
+before she might reach the shelter of the Valley of Stones. But she
+had rejoined her company of knights before the King had reached the
+narrow mouth of the valley. Quickly she bade her men scatter among
+the boulders, and then, by her magic art, she turned them all, men
+and horses and herself too, into stones, that none might tell the
+one from the other.
+
+When King Arthur and Sir Ontzlake reached the valley, they looked
+about for some sign of the presence of the Queen or her knights,
+but naught might they see though they rode through the valley and
+beyond, and returning, searched with all diligence among the rocks
+and boulders. Never again was Queen Morgan le Fay seen at Camelot,
+nor did she attempt aught afterwards against the welfare of the
+King. When she had restored her knights to their proper form, she
+hastened with them back to her own land, and there she abode for
+the rest of her days until she came with the other queens to carry
+Arthur from the field of the Battle in the West.
+
+Nor would the King seek to take vengeance on a woman, though sorely
+she had wronged him. His life long, he guarded well the sword
+Excalibur, but the sheath no man ever saw again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+MERLIN
+
+
+Of Merlin and how he served King Arthur, something has been already
+shown. Loyal he was ever to Uther Pendragon and to his son, King
+Arthur, and for the latter especially he wrought great marvels. He
+brought the King to his rights; he made him his ships; and some
+say that Camelot, with its splendid halls, where Arthur would
+gather his knights around him at the great festivals of the year,
+at Christmas, at Easter, and at Pentecost, was raised by his magic,
+without human toil. Bleise, the aged magician who dwelt in
+Northumberland and recorded the great deeds of Arthur and his
+knights, had been Merlin's master in magic; but it came to pass in
+time that Merlin far excelled him in skill, so that his enemies
+declared no mortal was his father, and called him devil's son.
+
+Then, on a certain time, Merlin said to Arthur: "The time draws
+near when ye shall miss me, for I shall go down alive into the
+earth; and it shall be that gladly would ye give your lands to have
+me again." Then Arthur was grieved, and said: "Since ye know your
+danger, use your craft to avoid it." But Merlin answered: "That may
+not be."
+
+Now there had come to Arthur's court, a damsel of the Lady of the
+Lake--her whose skill in magic, some say, was greater than Merlin's
+own; and the damsel's name was Vivien. She set herself to learn the
+secrets of Merlin's art, and was ever with him, tending upon the
+old man and, with gentleness and tender service, winning her way to
+his heart; but all was a pretence, for she was weary of him and
+sought only his ruin, thinking it should be fame for her, by any
+means whatsoever, to enslave the greatest wizard of his age. And so
+she persuaded him to pass with her overseas into King Ban's land of
+Benwick, and there, one day, he showed her a wondrous rock, formed
+by magic art. Then she begged him to enter into it, the better to
+declare to her its wonders; but when once he was within, by a charm
+that she had learnt from Merlin's self, she caused the rock to
+shut down that never again might he come forth. Thus was Merlin's
+prophecy fulfilled, that he should go down into the earth alive.
+Much they marvelled in Arthur's court what had become of the great
+magician, till on a time, there rode past the stone a certain
+Knight of the Round Table and heard Merlin lamenting his sad fate.
+The knight would have striven to raise the mighty stone, but Merlin
+bade him not waste his labour, since none might release him save
+her who had imprisoned him there. Thus Merlin passed from the world
+through the treachery of a damsel, and thus Arthur was without aid
+in the days when his doom came upon him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+BALIN AND BALAN
+
+
+Among the princes that thought scorn of Arthur in the days when
+first he became king, none was more insolent than Ryons of North
+Wales. So, on a time when King Arthur held high festival at
+Camelot, Ryons sent a herald who, in the presence of the whole
+court, before brave knights and fair dames, thus addressed the
+King: "Sir Arthur, my master bids me say that he has overcome
+eleven kings with all their hosts, and, in token of their
+submission, they have given him their beards to fringe him a
+mantle. There remains yet space for the twelfth; wherefore, with
+all speed, send him your beard, else will he lay waste your land
+with fire and sword." "Viler message," said King Arthur, "was never
+sent from man to man. Get thee gone, lest we forget thine office
+protects thee." So spoke the King, for he had seen his knights clap
+hand to sword, and would not that a messenger should suffer hurt in
+his court.
+
+Now among the knights present the while was one whom men called
+Balin le Savage, who had but late been freed from prison for
+slaying a knight of Arthur's court. None was more wroth than he at
+the villainy of Ryons, and immediately after the departure of the
+herald, he left the hall and armed him; for he was minded to try
+if, with good fortune, he might win to Arthur's grace by avenging
+him on the King of North Wales. While he was without, there entered
+the hall a Witch Lady who, on a certain occasion, had done the King
+a service, and for this she now desired of him a boon. So Arthur
+bade her name her request, and thus she said: "O King, I require of
+you the head of the knight Balin le Savage." "That may I not grant
+you with my honour," replied the King; "ask what it may become me
+to give." But the Witch Lady would have naught else, and departed
+from the hall, murmuring against the King. Then, as it chanced,
+Balin met her at the door, and immediately when he saw her, he rode
+upon her, sword in hand, and, with one blow, smote off her head.
+Thus he took vengeance for his mother's death, of which she had
+been the cause, and, well content, rode away. But when it was told
+King Arthur of the deed that Balin had done, he was full wroth,
+nor was his anger lessened though Merlin declared the wrong the
+Witch Lady had done to Balin. "Whatsoever cause he had against her,
+yet should he have done her no violence in my court," said the
+King, and bade Sir Lanceour of Ireland ride after Balin and bring
+him back again.
+
+Thus it came to pass that, as Sir Balin rode on his way, he heard
+the hoof-beats of a horse fast galloping, and a voice cried loudly
+to him: "Stay, Knight; for thou shalt stay, whether thou wilt or
+not." "Fair Knight," answered Balin fiercely, "dost thou desire to
+fight with me?" "Yea, truly," answered Lanceour; "for that cause
+have I followed thee from Camelot." "Alas!" cried Balin, "then I
+know thy quarrel. And yet, I dealt but justly by that vile woman,
+and it grieves me to offend my lord King Arthur again." "Have done,
+and make ready to fight," said Lanceour insolently; for he was
+proud and arrogant, though a brave knight. So they rushed together,
+and, at the first encounter, Sir Lanceour's spear was shivered
+against the shield of the other, but Balin's spear pierced shield
+and hauberk and Lanceour fell dead to the earth.
+
+Then Sir Balin, sore grieved that he had caused the death of a
+knight of Arthur's court, buried Lanceour as well as he might, and
+continued sorrowfully on his journey in search of King Ryons.
+Presently, as he rode through a great forest, he espied a knight
+whom, by his arms, he knew at once for his brother, Sir Balan.
+Great joy had they in their meeting, for Balan had believed Balin
+still to be in prison. So Balin told Balan all that had befallen
+him, and how he sought Ryons to avenge Arthur upon him for his
+insolent message, and hoped thereby to win his lord's favour again.
+"I will ride with thee, brother," said Balan, "and help thee all I
+may." So the two went on their way till, presently, they met with
+an old man--Merlin's self, though they knew him not, for he was
+disguised. "Ah, Knight," said Merlin to Balin, "swift to strike and
+swift to repent, beware, or thou shalt strike the most dolorous
+blow dealt by man; for thou shalt slay thine own brother." "If I
+believed thy words true," cried Balin hotly, "I would slay myself
+to make thee a liar." "I know the past and I know the future," said
+Merlin; "I know, too, the errand on which thou ridest, and I will
+help thee if thou wilt." "Ah!" said Balin, "that pleases me well."
+"Hide you both in this covert," said Merlin; "for presently there
+shall come riding down this path King Ryons with sixty of his
+knights." With these words he vanished. So Balin and Balan did as
+he had bidden them, and when King Ryons and his men entered the
+little path, they fell upon them with such fury that they slew more
+than forty knights, while the rest fled, and King Ryons himself
+yielded him to them. So Sir Balan rode with King Ryons to Camelot
+that he might deliver him to King Arthur; but Balin went not with
+them, for he would see more adventures before he sought King
+Arthur's presence again.
+
+After many days' travel and many encounters, it befell that, one
+evening, Balin drew near to a castle; and when he would have sought
+admittance, there stood by him an old man, and said: "Balin, turn
+thee back, and it shall be better for thee," and so vanished. At
+that moment there was blown a blast on a horn, such as is sounded
+when the stag receives its death; and hearing it, Balin's heart
+misgave him, and he cried: "That blast is blown for me, and I am
+the prize. But not yet am I dead!"
+
+At that instant the castle gate was raised and there appeared many
+knights and ladies welcoming Balin into the castle. So he entered,
+and presently they were all seated at supper. Then the lady of the
+castle said to Balin: "Sir Knight, to-morrow thou must have ado
+with a knight that keeps an island near-by; else mayest thou not
+pass that way." "That is an evil custom," answered Balin; "but if I
+must, I must." So that night he rested, but with the dawn he arose,
+and was arming himself for battle when there came to him a knight
+and said: "Sir, your shield is not good; I pray you, take mine
+which is larger and stouter." In an evil hour, Balin suffered
+himself to be persuaded, and taking the stranger's shield, left;
+behind his own on which his arms were blazoned. Then, entering a
+boat, he was conveyed to the island where the unknown knight held
+the ford.
+
+No sooner was he landed, than there came riding to him a knight
+armed all in red armour, his horse, too, trapped all in red; and
+without word spoken, they charged upon each other, and each bore
+the other from the saddle. Thus for a while they lay, stunned by
+the fall. The Red Knight was the first to rise, for Balin, all
+wearied by his travels and many encounters, was sore shaken by the
+fall. Then they fought together right fiercely, hacking away great
+pieces of armour, and dealing each other dreadful wounds. But when
+they paused to take breath, Balin, looking up, saw the battlements
+of the castle filled with knights and ladies watching the struggle,
+and immediately, shamed that the conflict should have so long
+endured, he rushed again upon the Red Knight, aiming at him blows
+that might have felled a giant. So they fought together a long
+while; but at the last, the Red Knight drew back a little. Then
+cried Balin: "Who art thou? for till now, never have I met my
+match." Then said the Red Knight: "I am Balan, brother to the noble
+knight, Sir Balin"; and with the word, he fell to the ground as one
+dead. "Alas!" cried Balin, "that I should have lived to see this
+day!" Then, as well as he might, for his strength was almost spent,
+he crept on hands and knees to his brother's side and opened the
+vizor of his helmet, and when he saw his brother's face all
+ghastly, as it was, he cried: "O Balan, I have slain thee, as thou
+hast also slain me! Oh! woeful deed I never to be forgotten of
+men!" Then Balan, being somewhat recovered, told Balin how he had
+been compelled by those at the castle to keep the ford against all
+comers, and might never depart; and Balin told of the grievous
+chance by which he had taken another's shield.
+
+So these two died, slain by each other's hands. In one tomb they
+were buried; and Merlin, passing that way, inscribed thereon the
+full story of their deaths.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II
+
+SIR LAUNCELOT
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAC
+
+
+Now, as time passed, King Arthur gathered into his Order of the
+Round Table knights whose peers shall never be found in any age;
+and foremost amongst them all was Sir Launcelot du Lac. Such was
+his strength that none against whom he laid lance in rest could
+keep the saddle, and no shield was proof against his sword dint;
+but for his courtesy even more than for his courage and strength,
+Sir Launcelot was famed far and near. Gentle he was and ever the
+first to rejoice in the renown of another; and in the jousts, he
+would avoid encounter with the young and untried knight, letting
+him pass to gain glory if he might.
+
+It would take a great book to record all the famous deeds of Sir
+Launcelot, and all his adventures. He was of Gaul, for his father,
+King Ban, ruled over Benwick; and some say that his first name was
+Galahad, and that he was named Launcelot du Lac by the Lady of the
+Lake who reared him when his mother died. Early he won renown by
+delivering his father's people from the grim King Claudas who, for
+more than twenty years, had laid waste the fair land of Benwick;
+then, when there was peace in his own land, he passed into Britain,
+to Arthur's court, where the King received him gladly, and made him
+Knight of the Round Table and took him for his trustiest friend.
+And so it was that, when Guenevere was to be brought to Canterbury,
+to be married to the King, Launcelot was chief of the knights sent
+to wait upon her, and of this came the sorrow of later days. For,
+from the moment he saw her, Sir Launcelot loved Guenevere, for her
+sake remaining wifeless all his days, and in all things being her
+faithful knight. But busy-bodies and mischief-makers spoke evil of
+Sir Launcelot and the Queen, and from their talk came the undoing
+of the King and the downfall of his great work. But that was after
+long years, and after many true knights had lived their lives,
+honouring the King and Queen, and doing great deeds whereby the
+fame of Arthur and his Order passed through all the world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF THE CHAPEL PERILOUS
+
+
+Now on a day, as he rode through the forest, Sir Launcelot met a
+damsel weeping bitterly, and seeing him, she cried, "Stay, Sir
+Knight! By your knighthood I require you to aid me in my distress."
+Immediately Sir Launcelot checked his horse and asked in what she
+needed his service. "Sir," said the maiden, "my brother lies at the
+point of death, for this day he fought with the stout knight, Sir
+Gilbert, and sorely they wounded each other; and a wise woman, a
+sorceress, has said that nothing may staunch my brother's wounds
+unless they be searched with the sword and bound up with a piece
+of the cloth from the body of the wounded knight who lies in the
+ruined chapel hard by. And well I know you, my lord Sir Launcelot,
+and that, if ye will not help me, none may." "Tell me your
+brother's name," said Sir Launcelot. "Sir Meliot de Logris,"
+answered the damsel. "A Knight of our Round Table," said Sir
+Launcelot; "the more am I bound to your service. Only tell me,
+gentle damsel, where I may find this Chapel Perilous." So she
+directed him, and, riding through forest byeways, Sir Launcelot
+came presently upon a little ruined chapel, standing in the midst
+of a churchyard, where the tombs showed broken and neglected under
+the dark yews. In front of the porch, Sir Launcelot paused and
+looked, for thereon hung, upside down, dishonoured, the shield of
+many a good knight whom Sir Launcelot had known.
+
+As he stood wondering, suddenly there pressed upon him from all
+sides thirty stout knights, all giants and fully armed, their drawn
+swords in their hands and their shields advanced. With threatening
+looks, they spoke to him saying: "Sir Launcelot, it were well ye
+turned back before evil befell you." But Sir Launcelot, though he
+feared to have to do with thirty such warriors, answered boldly: "I
+turn not back for high words. Make them good by your deeds." Then
+he rode upon them fiercely, whereupon instantly they scattered and
+disappeared, and, sword in hand, Sir Launcelot entered the little
+chapel. All was dark within, save that a little lamp hung from the
+roof, and by its dim light he could just espy how on a bier before
+the altar there lay, stark and cold, a knight sheathed in armour.
+And drawing nearer, Sir Launcelot saw that the dead man lay on a
+blood-stained mantle, his naked sword by his side, but that his
+left hand had been lopped off at the wrist by a mighty sword-cut.
+Then Sir Launcelot boldly seized the sword and with it cut off a
+piece of the bloody mantle. Immediately the earth shook and the
+walls of the chapel rocked, and in fear Sir Launcelot turned to go.
+But, as he would have left the chapel, there stood before him in
+the doorway a lady, fair to look upon and beautifully arrayed, who
+gazed earnestly upon him, and said: "Sir Knight, put away from you
+that sword lest it be your death." But Sir Launcelot answered her:
+"Lady, what I have said, I do; and what I have won, I keep." "It is
+well," said the lady. "Had ye cast away the sword your life days
+were done. And now I make but one request. Kiss me once." "That may
+I not do," said Sir Launcelot. Then said the lady: "Go your way,
+Launcelot; ye have won, and I have lost. Know that, had ye kissed
+me, your dead body had lain even now on the altar bier. For much
+have I desired to win you; and to entrap you, I ordained this
+chapel. Many a knight have I taken, and once Sir Gawain himself
+hardly escaped, but he fought with Sir Gilbert and lopped off his
+hand, and so got away. Fare ye well; it is plain to see that none
+but our lady, Queen Guenevere, may have your services." With that,
+she vanished from his sight. So Sir Launcelot mounted his horse and
+rode away from that evil place till he met Sir Meliot's sister, who
+led him to her brother where he lay, pale as the earth, and
+bleeding fast. And when he saw Sir Launcelot, he would have risen
+to greet him; but his strength failed him, and he fell back on his
+couch. Sir Launcelot searched his wounds with the sword, and bound
+them up with the blood-stained cloth, and immediately Sir Meliot
+was sound and well, and greatly he rejoiced. Then Sir Meliot and
+his sister begged Sir Launcelot to stay and rest, but he departed
+on his adventures, bidding them farewell until he should meet them
+again at Arthur's court.
+
+As for the sorceress of the Chapel Perilous, it is said she died
+of grief that all her charms had failed to win for her the good
+knight Sir Launcelot.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE FALCON
+
+
+Sir Launcelot rode on his way, by marsh and valley and hill, till
+he chanced upon a fair castle, and saw fly from it, over his head,
+a beautiful falcon, with the lines still hanging from her feet. And
+as he looked, the falcon flew into a tree where she was held fast
+by the lines becoming entangled about the boughs. Immediately, from
+the castle there came running a fair lady, who cried: "O Launcelot,
+Launcelot! As ye are the noblest of all knights, I pray you help me
+to recover my falcon. For if my husband discover its loss, he will
+slay me in his anger." "Who is your husband, fair lady?" asked Sir
+Launcelot. "Sir Phelot, a knight of Northgalis, and he is of a
+hasty temper; wherefore, I beseech you, help me." "Well, lady,"
+said Sir Launcelot, "I will serve you if I may; but the tree is
+hard to climb, for the boughs are few, and, in truth, I am no
+climber. But I will do my best." So the lady helped Sir Launcelot
+to unarm, and he led his horse to the foot of the tree, and
+springing from its back, he caught at the nearest bough, and drew
+himself up into the branches. Then he climbed till he reached the
+falcon and, tying her lines to a rotten bough, broke it off, and
+threw down bird and bough to the lady below. Forthwith, Sir Phelot
+came from amongst the trees and said: "Ah! Sir Launcelot! Now at
+length I have you as I would; for I have long sought your life."
+And Sir Launcelot made answer: "Surely ye would not slay me, an
+unarmed man; for that were dishonour to you. Keep my armour if ye
+will; but hang my sword on a bough where I may reach it, and then
+do with me as ye can." But Sir Phelot laughed mockingly and said:
+"Not so, Sir Launcelot. I know you too well to throw away my
+advantage; wherefore, shift as ye may." "Alas!" said Sir Launcelot,
+"that ever knight should be so unknightly. And you, madam, how
+could ye so betray me?" "She did but as I commanded her," said Sir
+Phelot.
+
+Then Launcelot looked about him to see how he might help himself in
+these straits, and espying above his head a great bare branch, he
+tote it down. Then, ever watching his advantage, he sprang to the
+ground on the far side of his horse, so that the horse was between
+him and Sir Phelot. Sir Phelot rushed upon him with his sword, but
+Sir Launcelot parried it with the bough, with which he dealt his
+enemy such a blow on the head that Sir Phelot sank to the ground in
+a swoon. Then Sir Launcelot seized his sword where it lay beside
+his armour, and stooping over the fallen knight, unloosed his helm.
+When the lady saw him do that, she shrieked and cried: "Spare his
+life! spare his life, noble knight, I beseech you!" But Sir
+Launcelot answered sternly: "A felon's death for him who does
+felon's deeds. He has lived too long already," and with one blow,
+he smote off his head. Then he armed himself, and mounting upon his
+steed, rode away, leaving the lady to weep beside her lord.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III
+
+SIR TRISTRAM
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OF THE BIRTH OF SIR TRISTRAM
+
+
+In the days of Arthur, there ruled over the kingdom of Liones the
+good knight Sir Meliodas; and his Queen was the fair Elizabeth,
+sister of King Mark of Cornwall.
+
+Now there was a lady, an enchantress, who had no good-will towards
+King Meliodas and his Queen; so one day, when the King was
+hunting, she brought it to pass by her charms that Meliodas chased
+a hart till he found himself, far from all his men, alone by an old
+castle, and there he was taken prisoner by the lady's knights.
+
+When King Meliodas did not return home, the Queen was nigh crazed
+with grief. Attended only by one of the ladies of her court, she
+ran out into the forest to seek her lord. Long and far she
+wandered, until she could go no further, but sank down at the foot
+of a great tree, and there, in the midst of the forest, was her
+little son born. When the Queen knew that she must die, she kissed
+the babe and said: "Ah! little son, sad has been thy birth,
+wherefore thy name shall be Tristram; but thou shalt grow to be a
+brave knight and a strong." Then she charged her gentlewoman to
+take care of the child and to commend her to King Meliodas; and
+after that she died. All too late came many of the barons seeking
+their Queen, and sorrowfully they bore her back to the castle where
+presently the King arrived, released by the skill of Merlin from
+the evil spells of the enchantress. Great indeed was his grief for
+the death of his Queen. He caused her to be buried with all the
+pomp and reverence due to so good and fair a lady, and long and
+bitterly he mourned her loss and all the people with him.
+
+But at the end of seven years, King Meliodas took another wife.
+Then, when the Queen had sons of her own, it angered her to think
+that in the days to come, her stepson Tristram, and none other,
+should rule the fair land of Liones. The more she thought of it,
+the more she hated him till, at the last, she was resolved to do
+away with him. So she filled a silver goblet with a pleasant drink
+in which she had mixed poison, and she set it in the room where
+Tristram played with the young princes, his half-brothers. Now the
+day was hot, and presently, being heated with his play, the young
+prince, the Queen's eldest son, drank of the poisoned goblet; and
+immediately he died. Much the Queen grieved, but more than ever she
+hated her stepson Tristram, as if, through him, her son had died.
+Presently, again she mixed poison and set it in a goblet; and that
+time, King Meliodas, returning thirsty from the chase, took the cup
+and would have drunk of it, only the Queen cried to him to forbear.
+Then the King recalled to mind how his young son had drunk of a
+seeming pleasant drink and died on the instant; and seizing the
+Queen by the hand, he cried: "False traitress! tell me at once what
+is in that cup, or I will slay thee!" Then the Queen cried him
+mercy and told him all her sin. But in his wrath the King would
+have no mercy, but sentenced her to be burnt at the stake, which,
+in those days, was the doom of traitors. The day having come when
+the Queen should suffer for her fault, she was led out and bound to
+a stake in the presence of all the court, and the faggots were
+heaped about her. Then the young prince Tristram kneeled before the
+King and asked of him a favour: and the King, loving him much,
+granted him his request. "Then," said Tristram, "I require you to
+release the Queen, my stepmother, and to take her again to your
+favour." Greatly the King marvelled, and said: "Ye should of right
+hate her, seeing that she sought your life." But Tristram answered:
+"I forgive her freely." "I give you then her life," said the King;
+"do ye release her from the stake." So Tristram unloosed the chains
+which bound the Queen and led her back to the castle, and from that
+day the Queen loved him well; but as for King Meliodas, though he
+forgave her and suffered her to remain at court, yet never again
+would he have aught to do with her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+HOW TRISTRAM FOUGHT WITH SIR MARHAUS OF IRELAND
+
+
+Now King Meliodas, though he had pardoned the Queen, would keep his
+son Tristram no longer at the court, but sent him into France.
+There Tristram learnt all knightly exercises, so that there was
+none could equal him as harper or hunter; and after seven years,
+being by then a youth of nineteen, he returned to his own land of
+Liones.
+
+It chanced, in those days, that King Anguish of Ireland sent to
+Cornwall, demanding the tribute paid him in former times by that
+land. Then Mark, the Cornish King, called together his barons and
+knights to take counsel; and by their advice, he made answer that
+he would pay no tribute, and bade King Anguish send a stout knight
+to fight for his right if he still dared claim aught of the land of
+Cornwall.
+
+Forthwith there came from Ireland Sir Marhaus, brother of the Queen
+of Ireland. Now Sir Marhaus was Knight of the Round Table and in
+his time there were few of greater renown. He anchored his ships
+under the Castle of Tintagil, and sent messengers daily to King
+Mark, bidding him pay the tribute or find one to fight in his
+cause.
+
+Then was King Mark sore perplexed, for not one of his knights dared
+encounter Sir Marhaus. Criers were sent through all the land,
+proclaiming that, to any knight that would take the combat upon
+him, King Mark would give such gifts as should enrich him for life.
+In time, word of all that had happened came to Liones, and
+immediately Tristram sought his father, desiring his permission to
+go to the court of his uncle, King Mark, to take the battle upon
+him. Thus it came to pass that, with his father's good leave,
+Tristram presented himself before King Mark, asking to be made
+knight that he might do battle for the liberties of Cornwall. Then
+when Mark knew that it was his sister's son, he rejoiced greatly,
+and having made Tristram knight, he sent word to Sir Marhaus that
+there was found to meet him a champion of better birth than Sir
+Marhaus' self.
+
+So it was arranged that the combat should take place on a little
+island hard by, where Sir Marhaus had anchored his ships. Sir
+Tristram, with his horse and arms, was placed on board a ship, and
+when the island was gained, he leaped on shore, bidding his squire
+put off again and only return when he was slain or victorious.
+
+Now, when Sir Marhaus saw that Tristram was but a youth, he cried
+aloud to him: "Be advised, young Sir, and go back to your ship.
+What can ye hope to do against me, a proven knight of Arthur's
+Table?" Then Tristram made answer: "Sir and most famous champion, I
+have been made knight to do battle with you, and I promise myself
+to win honour thereby, I who have never before encountered a proven
+knight." "If ye can endure three strokes of my sword, it shall be
+honour enough," said Sir Marhaus. Then they rushed upon each other,
+and at the first encounter each unhorsed the other, and Sir
+Marhaus' spear pierced Sir Tristram's side and made a grievous
+wound. Drawing their swords, they lashed at each other, and the
+blows fell thick as hail till the whole island re-echoed with the
+din of onslaught. So they fought half a day, and ever it seemed
+that Sir Tristram grew fresher and nimbler while Sir Marhaus became
+sore wearied. And at the last, Sir Tristram aimed a great blow at
+the head of his enemy, and the sword crashed through the helmet and
+bit into the skull so that a great piece was broken away from the
+edge of Tristram's sword. Then Sir Marhaus flung away sword and
+shield, and when he might regain his feet, fled shrieking to his
+ships. "Do ye flee?" cried Tristram. "I am but newly made knight;
+but rather than flee, I would be hewn piecemeal."
+
+Then came Gouvernail, Sir Tristram's squire, and bore his master
+back to land, where Mark and all the Cornish lords came to meet him
+and convey him to the castle of Tintagil. Far and wide they sent
+for surgeons to dress Sir Tristram's wound, but none might help
+him, and ever he grew weaker. At the last, a wise woman told King
+Mark that in that land alone whence came the poisoned spear could
+Sir Tristram find cure. Then the King gave orders and a ship was
+made ready with great stores of rich furnishings, to convey Sir
+Tristram to Ireland, there to heal him of his wound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE FAIR ISOLT
+
+
+Thus Tristram sailed to Ireland, and when he drew nigh the coast,
+he called for his harp, and sitting up on his couch on the deck,
+played the merriest tune that was ever heard in that land. And the
+warders on the castle wall, hearing him, sent and told King Anguish
+how a ship drew near with one who harped as none other might. Then
+King Anguish sent knights to convey the stranger into the castle.
+So when he was brought into the King's presence, Tristram declared
+that he was Sir Tramtrist of Liones, lately made knight, and
+wounded in his first battle; for which cause he was come to
+Ireland, to seek healing. Forthwith the King made him welcome, and
+placed him in the charge of his daughter, Isolt. Now Isolt was
+famed for her skill in surgery, and, moreover, she was the fairest
+lady of that time, save only Queen Guenevere. So she searched and
+bandaged Sir Tristram's wound, and presently it was healed. But
+still Sir Tristram abode at King Anguish's court, teaching the Fair
+Isolt to harp, and taking great pleasure in her company. And ever
+the princess doubted whether Sir Tristram were not a renowned
+knight and ever she liked him better.
+
+So the time passed merrily with feastings and in the jousts, and in
+the lists Sir Tristram won great honour when he was recovered of
+his wound.
+
+At last it befell upon a day that Sir Tristram had gone to the bath
+and left his sword lying on the couch. And the Queen, entering,
+espied it, and taking it up, drew the sword from the sheath and
+fell to admiring the mighty blade. Presently she saw that the edge
+was notched, and while she pondered how great a blow must have
+broken the good steel, suddenly she bethought her of the piece
+which had been found in the head of her brother, Sir Marhaus.
+Hastening to her chamber, she sought in a casket for the fragment,
+and returning, placed it by the sword edge, where it fitted as well
+as on the day it was first broken. Then she cried to her daughter:
+"This, then, is the traitor knight who slew my brother, Sir
+Marhaus"; and snatching up the sword, she rushed upon Sir Tristram
+where he sat in his bath, and would have killed him, but that his
+squire restrained her. Having failed of her purpose, she sought her
+husband, King Anguish, and told him all her story: how the knight
+they had harboured was he who had slain Sir Marhaus. Then the King,
+sore perplexed, went to Sir Tristram's chamber, where he found him
+fully armed, ready to get to horse. And Tristram told him all the
+truth, how in fair fight he had slain Sir Marhaus. "Ye did as a
+knight should," said King Anguish; "and much it grieves me that I
+may not keep you at my court; but I cannot so displease my Queen or
+barons." "Sir," said Tristram, "I thank you for your courtesy, and
+will requite it as occasion may offer. Moreover, here I pledge my
+word, as I am good knight and true, to be your daughter's servant,
+and in all places and at all times to uphold her quarrel. Wherefore
+I pray you that I may take my leave of the princess."
+
+Then, with the King's permission, Sir Tristram went to the Fair
+Isolt and told her all his story; "And here," said he, "I make my
+vow ever to be your true knight, and at all times and in all places
+to uphold your quarrel." "And on my part" answered the Fair Isolt,
+"I make promise that never these seven years will I marry any man,
+save with your leave and as ye shall desire." Therewith they
+exchanged rings, the Fair Isolt grieving sore the while. Then Sir
+Tristram strode into the court and cried aloud, before all the
+barons: "Ye knights of Ireland, the time is come when I must
+depart. Therefore, if any man have aught against me, let him stand
+forth now, and I will satisfy him as I may." Now there were many
+present of the kin of Sir Marhaus, but none dared have ado with Sir
+Tristram; so, slowly he rode away, and with his squire took ship
+again for Cornwall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+HOW KING MARK SENT SIR TRISTRAM TO FETCH HIM A WIFE
+
+
+When Sir Tristram had come back to Cornwall, he abode some time at
+the court of King Mark. Now in those days the Cornish knights were
+little esteemed, and none less than Mark himself, who was a coward,
+and never adventured himself in fair and open combat, seeking
+rather to attack by stealth and have his enemy at an advantage. But
+the fame of Sir Tristram increased daily, and all men spoke well of
+him. So it came to pass that King Mark, knowing himself despised,
+grew fearful and jealous of the love that all men bore his nephew;
+for he seemed in their praise of him to hear his own reproach. He
+sought, therefore, how he might rid himself of Tristram even while
+he spoke him fair and made as if he loved him much, and at the last
+he bethought him how he might gain his end and no man be the wiser.
+So one day, he said to Tristram: "Fair nephew, I am resolved to
+marry, and fain would I have your aid." "In all things, I am yours
+to command," answered Sir Tristram. "I pray you, then," said King
+Mark, "bring me to wife the Fair Isolt of Ireland. For since I have
+heard your praises of her beauty, I may not rest unless I have her
+for my Queen." And this he said thinking that, if ever Sir Tristram
+set foot in Ireland, he would be slain.
+
+But Tristram, nothing mistrusting, got together a company of
+gallant knights, all fairly arrayed as became men sent by their
+King on such an errand; and with them he embarked on a goodly ship.
+Now it chanced that when he had reached the open sea, a great storm
+arose and drove him back on to the coast of England, and landing
+with great difficulty he set up his pavilion hard by the city of
+Camelot.
+
+Presently, word was brought him by his squire that King Anguish
+with his company lay hard by, and that the King was in sore
+straits; for he was charged with the murder of a knight of Arthur's
+court, and must meet in combat Sir Blamor, one of the stoutest
+knights of the Round Table. Then Sir Tristram rejoiced, for he saw
+in this opportunity of serving King Anguish the means of earning
+his good will. So he betook himself to the King's tent, and
+proffered to take upon him the encounter, for the kindness shown
+him by King Anguish in former days. And the King gratefully
+accepting of his championship, the next day Sir Tristram
+encountered with Sir Blamor, overthrew him, and so acquitted the
+Irish King of the charge brought against him. Then in his joy, King
+Anguish begged Sir Tristram to voyage with him to his own land,
+bidding Tristram ask what boon he would and he should have it. So
+rejoicing in his great fortune, Sir Tristram sailed once again for
+the Irish land.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOLT DRANK OF THE MAGIC POTION
+
+
+Then King Anguish made haste to return to Ireland, taking Sir
+Tristram with him. And when he was come there and had told all his
+adventures, there was great rejoicing over Sir Tristram, but of
+none more than of the Fair Isolt. So when Sir Tristram had stayed
+there some while, King Anguish reminded him of the boon he should
+ask and of his own willingness to grant it. "Sir King," replied Sir
+Tristram, "now will I ask it. Grant me your daughter, the Fair
+Isolt, that I may take her to Cornwall, there to become the wife of
+my uncle, King Mark." Then King Anguish grieved when he heard Sir
+Tristram's request, and said: "Far more gladly would I give her to
+you to wife." "That may not be," replied Sir Tristram; "my honour
+forbids." "Take her then," said King Anguish, "she is yours to wed
+or to give to your uncle, King Mark, as seems good to you."
+
+So a ship was made ready and there entered it the Fair Isolt and
+Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail, his squire, and Dame Bragwaine, who
+was maid to the princess. But before they sailed, the Queen gave in
+charge to Gouvernail and Dame Bragwaine a phial of wine which King
+Mark and Isolt should drink together on their wedding-day; "For,"
+said the Queen, "such is the magic virtue of this wine, that,
+having drunk of it, they may never cease from loving one another."
+
+Now it chanced, one day, that Sir Tristram sat and harped to the
+Fair Isolt; and the weather being hot, he became thirsty. Then
+looking round the cabin he beheld a golden flask, curiously shaped
+and wrought; and laughing, he said to the Fair Isolt: "See, madam,
+how my man and your maid care for themselves; for here is the best
+wine that ever I tasted. I pray you, now, drink to me." So with
+mirth and laughter, they pledged each other, and thought that never
+before had they tasted aught so good. But when they had made an end
+of drinking, there came upon them the might of the magic charm; and
+never from that day, for good or for ill, might they cease from
+their love. And so much woe was wrought; for, mindful of his pledge
+to his uncle, Sir Tristram brought Isolt in all honour into the
+land of Cornwall where she was wedded with pomp and ceremony to
+King Mark, the craven King, who hated his nephew even more than
+before, because he had returned in safety and made good his promise
+as became an honourable knight. And from that day he never ceased
+seeking the death of Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+OF THE END OF SIR TRISTRAM
+
+
+Then again Sir Tristram abode at King Mark's court, ever rendering
+the Fair Isolt loyal and knightly service; for King Mark would
+imperil his life for none, no matter what the need.
+
+Now among the Cornish knights, there was much jealousy of Sir
+Tristram de Liones, and chief of his enemies was his own cousin,
+Sir Andred. With lying words, Sir Andred sought to stir up King
+Mark against his nephew, speaking evil of the Queen and of Sir
+Tristram. Now Mark was afraid openly to accuse Sir Tristram, so he
+set Sir Andred to spy upon him. At last, it befell one day that Sir
+Andred saw Sir Tristram coming, alone and unarmed, from the Queen's
+presence, and with twelve other knights, he fell upon him and bound
+him. Then these felon knights bore Sir Tristram to a little chapel
+standing upon a great rock which jutted out into the sea. There
+they would have slain him, unarmed and bound. But Sir Tristram,
+perceiving their intent, put forth suddenly all his strength, burst
+his bonds, and wresting a sword from Sir Andred, cut him down; and
+so he did with six other knights. Then while the rest, being but
+cowards, gave back a little, he shut to and bolted the doors
+against them, and sprang from the window on to the sea-washed rocks
+below. There he lay as one dead, until his squire, Gouvernail,
+coming in a little boat, took up his master, dressed his wounds,
+and carried him to the coast of England.
+
+So Sir Tristram was minded to remain in that country for a time.
+Then, one day, as he rode through the forest near Camelot, there
+came running to him a fair lady who cried: "Sir Tristram, I claim
+your aid for the truest knight in all the world, and that is none
+other than King Arthur." "With a good heart," said Sir Tristram;
+"but where may I find him?" "Follow me," said the lady, who was
+none other than the Lady of the Lake herself, and ever mindful of
+the welfare of King Arthur. So he rode after her till he came to a
+castle, and in front of it he saw two knights who beset at once
+another knight, and when Sir Tristram came to the spot, the two had
+borne King Arthur to the ground and were about to cut off his head.
+Then Sir Tristram called to them to leave their traitor's work and
+look to themselves; with the word, one he pierced through with his
+spear and the other he cut down, and setting King Arthur again upon
+his horse, he rode with him until they met with certain of Arthur's
+knights. But when King Arthur would know his name, Tristram would
+give none, but said only that he was a poor errant knight; and so
+they parted.
+
+But Arthur, when he was come back to Camelot, sent for Sir
+Launcelot and other of his knights, bidding them seek for such an
+one as was Sir Tristram and bring him to the court. So they
+departed, each his own way, and searched for many days, but in
+vain. Then it chanced, at last, as Sir Launcelot rode on his way,
+he espied Sir Tristram resting beside a tomb; and, as was the
+custom of knights errant, he called upon him to joust. So the two
+ran together and each broke his spear. Then they sprang to the
+ground and fought with their swords, and each thought that never
+had he encountered so stout or so skilled a knight. So fiercely
+they fought that, perforce, at last they must rest. Then said Sir
+Launcelot: "Fair Knight, I pray you tell me your name, for never
+have I met so good a knight." "In truth," said Sir Tristram, "I am
+loth to tell my name." "I marvel at that," said Sir Launcelot; "for
+mine I will tell you freely. I am Launcelot du Lac." Then was Sir
+Tristram filled at once with joy and with sorrow; with joy that at
+last he had encountered the noblest knight of the Round Table, with
+sorrow that he had done him such hurt, and without more ado he
+revealed his name. Now Sir Launcelot, who ever delighted in the
+fame of another, had long desired to meet Sir Tristram de Liones,
+and rejoicing to have found him, he knelt right courteously and
+proffered him his sword, as if he would yield to him. But Tristram
+would not have it so, declaring that, rather, he should yield to
+Sir Launcelot. So they embraced right heartily, and when Sir
+Launcelot questioned him, Sir Tristram acknowledged that it was he
+who had come to King Arthur's aid. Together, then, they rode to
+Camelot, and there Sir Tristram was received with great honour by
+King Arthur, who made him Knight of the Round Table.
+
+Presently, to Tristram at Camelot, there came word that King Mark
+had driven the Fair Isolt from court, and compelled her to have her
+dwelling in a hut set apart for lepers. Then Sir Tristram was wroth
+indeed, and mounting his horse, rode forth that same hour, and
+rested not till he had found the lepers' hut, whence he bore the
+Queen to the castle known as the Joyous Garde; and there he held
+her, in safety and honour, in spite of all that King Mark could do.
+And all men honoured Sir Tristram, and felt sorrow for the Fair
+Isolt; while as for King Mark, they scorned him even more than
+before.
+
+But to Sir Tristram, it was grief to be at enmity with his uncle
+who had made him knight, and at last he craved King Arthur's aid to
+reconcile him to Mark. So then the King, who loved Sir Tristram,
+sent messengers to Cornwall to Mark, bidding him come forthwith to
+Camelot; and when the Cornish King was arrived, Arthur required him
+to set aside his enmity to Tristram, who had in all things been his
+loyal nephew and knight. And King Mark, his head full of hate, but
+fearful of offending his lord, King Arthur, made fair proffers of
+friendship, begging Sir Tristram to return to Cornwall with him,
+and promising to hold him in love and honour. So they were
+reconciled, and when King Mark returned to Cornwall, thither Sir
+Tristram escorted the Fair Isolt, and himself abode there,
+believing his uncle to mean truly and honourably by him.
+
+But under a seeming fair exterior, King Mark hated Sir Tristram
+more than ever, and waited only to have him at an advantage. At
+length he contrived the opportunity he sought. For he hid him in
+the Queen's chamber at a time when he knew Sir Tristram would come
+there unarmed, to harp to the Fair Isolt the music that she loved.
+So as Sir Tristram, all unsuspecting, bent over his harp, Mark
+leaped from his lurking place and dealt him such a blow from behind
+that, on the instant, he fell dead at the feet of the Fair Isolt.
+So perished the good knight, Sir Tristram de Liones Nor did the
+Fair Isolt long survive him, for refusing all comfort, she pined
+away, and died within a few days, and was laid in a tomb beside
+that of her true knight. But the felon King paid the price of his
+treachery with his life; for Sir Launcelot himself avenged the
+death of his friend and the wrongs of the Fair Isolt.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+KING ARTHUR'S NEPHEWS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+SIR GAWAIN AND THE LADY
+
+
+Among the knights at King Arthur's court were his nephews, the sons
+of his sister, Queen Bellicent, and of that King Lot of Orkney, who
+had joined the league against Arthur in the first years of his
+reign.
+
+Of each, many tales are told; of Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth to
+their great renown, but of Sir Mordred to his shame. For Sir Gawain
+and Sir Gareth were knights of great prowess; but Sir Mordred was a
+coward and a traitor, envious of other men's fame, and a
+tale-bearer.
+
+Now Sir Gawain was known as the Ladies' Knight, and this is how he
+came by the name. It was at Arthur's marriage-feast, when Gawain
+had just been made knight, that a strange thing befell. There
+entered the hall a white hart, chased by a hound, and when it had
+run round the hall, it fled through the doorway again, still
+followed by the hound. Then, by Merlin's advice, the quest of the
+hart was given to Gawain as a new-made knight, to follow it and see
+what adventures it would bring him. So Sir Gawain rode away, taking
+with him three couples of greyhounds for the pursuit. At the last,
+the hounds caught the hart, and killed it just as it reached the
+court-yard of a castle. Then there came forth from the castle a
+knight, and he was grieved and wroth to see the hart slain, for it
+was given him by his lady; so, in his anger, he killed two of the
+hounds. At that moment Sir Gawain entered the court-yard, and an
+angry man was he when he saw his greyhounds slain. "Sir Knight,"
+said he, "ye would have done better to have taken your vengeance on
+me rather than on dumb animals which but acted after their kind."
+"I will be avenged on you also," cried the knight; and the two
+rushed together, cutting and thrusting that it was wonderful they
+might so long endure. But at the last the knight grew faint, and
+crying for mercy, offered to yield to Sir Gawain. "Ye had no mercy
+on my hounds," said Sir Gawain. "I will make you all the amends in
+my power," answered the knight. But Sir Gawain would not be turned
+from his purpose, and unlacing the vanquished knight's helmet, was
+about to cut off his head, when a lady rushed out from the castle
+and flung herself on the body of the fallen knight. So it chanced
+that Sir Gawain's sword descending smote off the lady's head. Then
+was Sir Gawain grieved and sore ashamed for what he had done, and
+said to the knight: "I repent for what I have done; and here I give
+you your life. Go only to Camelot, to King Arthur's court, and tell
+him ye are sent by the knight who follows the quest of the white
+hart." "Ye have slain my lady," said the other, "and now I care not
+what befalls me." So he arose and went to King Arthur's court.
+
+Then Sir Gawain prepared to rest him there for the night; but
+scarcely had he lain down when there fell upon him four knights,
+crying: "New-made knight, ye have shamed your knighthood, for a
+knight without mercy is without honour." Then was Sir Gawain borne
+to the earth, and would have been slain, but that there came forth
+from the castle four ladies who besought the knights to spare his
+life; so they consented and bound him prisoner.
+
+The next morning Sir Gawain was brought again before the knights
+and their dames; and because he was King Arthur's nephew, the
+ladies desired that he should be set free, only they required that
+he should ride again to Camelot, the murdered lady's head hanging
+from his neck, and her dead body across his saddle-bow; and that
+when he arrived at the court he should confess his misdeeds.
+
+So Sir Gawain rode sadly back to Camelot, and when he had told his
+tale, King Arthur was sore displeased. And Queen Guenevere held a
+court of her ladies to pass sentence on Sir Gawain for his
+ungentleness. These then decreed that, his life long, he must never
+refuse to fight for any lady who desired his services, and that
+ever he should be gentle and courteous and show mercy to all. From
+that time forth, Sir Gawain never failed in aught that dame or
+damsel asked of him, and so he won and kept the title of the
+Ladies' Knight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GARETH
+
+
+Gareth was the youngest of the sons of Lot and Bellicent, and had
+grown up long after Gawain and Mordred left their home for King
+Arthur's court; so that when he came before the King, all humbly
+attired, he was known not even by his own brothers.
+
+King Arthur was keeping Pentecost at Kink Kenadon on the Welsh
+border and, as his custom was, waited to begin the feast until some
+adventure should befall. Presently there was seen approaching a
+youth, who, to the wonderment of all that saw, leaned upon the
+shoulders of two men, his companions; and yet as he passed up the
+hall, he seemed a goodly youth, tall and broad-shouldered. When he
+stood before the King, suddenly he drew himself up, and after due
+greeting, said: "Sir King, I would ask of you three boons; one to
+be granted now and two hereafter when I shall require them." And
+Arthur, looking upon him, was pleased, for his countenance was open
+and honest. So he made answer; "Fair son, ask of me aught that is
+honourable and I will grant it." Then the youth said: "For this
+present, I ask only that ye will give me meat and drink for a year
+and a day." "Ye might have asked and had a better gift," replied
+the King; "tell me now your name." "At this time, I may not tell
+it," said the youth. Now King Arthur trusted every man until he
+proved himself unworthy, and in this youth he thought he saw one
+who should do nobly and win renown; so laughing, he bade him keep
+his own counsel since so he would, and gave him in charge to Sir
+Kay, the Seneschal.
+
+Now Sir Kay was but harsh to those whom he liked not, and from the
+first he scorned the young man; "For none," said he, "but a
+low-born lout would crave meat and drink when he might have asked
+for a horse and arms." But Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawain took the
+youth's part. Neither knew him for Gareth of the Orkneys, but both
+believed him to be a youth of good promise who, for his own
+reasons, would pass in disguise for a season.
+
+So Gareth lived the year among the kitchen-boys, all the time
+mocked and scorned by Sir Kay, who called him Fairhands because his
+hands were white and shapely. But Launcelot and Gawain showed him
+all courtesy, and failed not to observe how, in all trials of
+strength, he excelled his comrades, and that he was ever present to
+witness the feats of the knights in the tournaments.
+
+So the year passed, and again King Arthur was keeping the feast of
+Pentecost with his knights, when a damsel entered the hall and
+asked his aid: "For," said she, "my sister is closely besieged in
+her castle by a strong knight who lays waste all her lands. And
+since I know that the knights of your court be the most renowned in
+the world, I have come to crave help of your mightiest." "What is
+your sister's name, and who is he that oppresses her?" asked the
+King. "The Red Knight, he is called," replied the damsel. "As for
+my sister I will not say her name, only that she is a high-born
+lady and owns broad lands." Then the King frowned and said: "Ye
+would have aid but will say no name. I may not ask knight of mine
+to go on such an errand."
+
+Then forth stepped Gareth from among the serving men at the hall
+end and said: "Sir King, I have eaten of your meat in your kitchen
+this twelvemonth since, and now I crave my other two boons." "Ask
+and have," replied the King. "Grant me then the adventure of this
+damsel, and bid Sir Launcelot ride after me to knight me at my
+desire, for of him alone would I be made knight." "It shall be so,"
+answered the King. "What!" cried the damsel, "I ask for a knight
+and ye give me a kitchen-boy. Shame on you, Sir King." And in
+great wrath she fled from the hall, mounted her palfrey and rode
+away. Gareth but waited to array himself in the armour which he had
+kept ever in readiness for the time when he should need it, and
+mounting his horse, rode after the damsel.
+
+But when Sir Kay knew what had happened, he was wroth, and got to
+horse to ride after Gareth and bring him back. Even as Gareth
+overtook the damsel, so did Kay come up with him and cried: "Turn
+back, Fairhands! What, sir, do ye not know me?" "Yes," answered
+Gareth, "I know you for the most discourteous knight in Arthur's
+court." Then Sir Kay rode upon him with his lance, but Gareth
+turned it aside with his sword and pierced Sir Kay through the side
+so that he fell to the ground and lay there without motion. So
+Gareth took Sir Kay's shield and spear and was about to ride away,
+when seeing Sir Launcelot draw near, he called upon him to joust.
+At the first encounter, Sir Launcelot unhorsed Gareth, but quickly
+helped him to his feet. Then, at Gareth's desire, they fought
+together with swords, and Gareth did knightly till, at length, Sir
+Launcelot said, laughing: "Why should we fight any longer? Of a
+truth ye are a stout knight." "If that is indeed your thought, I
+pray you make me knight," cried Gareth. So Sir Launcelot knighted
+Gareth, who, bidding him farewell, hastened after the damsel, for
+she had ridden on again while the two knights talked. When she saw
+him coming, she cried: "Keep off! ye smell of the kitchen!"
+"Damsel," said Sir Gareth, "I must follow until I have fulfilled
+the adventure." "Till ye accomplish the adventure, Turn-spit? Your
+part in it shall soon be ended." "I can only do my best," answered
+Sir Gareth.
+
+Now as they rode through the forest, they met with a knight sore
+beset by six thieves, and him Sir Gareth rescued. The knight then
+bade Gareth and the damsel rest at his castle, and entertained them
+right gladly until the morn, when the two rode forth again.
+Presently, they drew near to a deep river where two knights kept
+the ford. "How now, kitchen-knave? Will ye fight or escape while ye
+may?" cried the damsel. "I would fight though there were six
+instead of two," replied Sir Gareth. Therewith he encountered the
+one knight in mid-stream and struck him such a blow on the head
+that he fell, stunned, into the water and was drowned. Then,
+gaining the land, Gareth cleft in two both helmet and head of the
+other knight, and turned to the damsel, saying: "Lead on; I
+follow."
+
+But the damsel mocked him, saying: "What a mischance is this that a
+kitchen-boy should slay two noble knights! Be not over-proud,
+Turn-spit. It was but luck, if indeed ye did not attack one knight
+from behind." "Say what you will, I follow," said Sir Gareth.
+
+So they rode on again, the damsel in front and Sir Gareth behind,
+till they reached a wide meadow where stood many fair pavilions;
+and one, the largest, was all of blue, and the men who stood about
+it were clothed in blue, and bore shields and spears of that
+colour; and of blue, too, were the trappings of the horses. Then
+said the damsel: "Yonder is the Blue Knight, the goodliest that
+ever ye have looked upon, and five hundred knights own him lord."
+"I will encounter him," said Sir Gareth; "for if he be good knight
+and true as ye say, he will scarce set on me with all his
+following; and man to man, I fear him not." "Fie!" said the damsel,
+"for a dirty knave, ye brag loud. And even if ye overcome him, his
+might is as nothing to that of the Red Knight who besieges my lady
+sister. So get ye gone while ye may." "Damsel," said Sir Gareth,
+"ye are but ungentle so to rebuke me; for, knight or knave, I have
+done you good service, nor will I leave this quest while life is
+mine." Then the damsel was ashamed, and, looking curiously at
+Gareth, she said: "I would gladly know what manner of man ye are.
+For I heard you call yourself kitchen-knave before Arthur's self,
+but ye have ever answered patiently though I have chidden you
+shamefully; and courtesy comes only of gentle blood." Thereat Sir
+Gareth but laughed, and said: "He is no knight whom a maiden can
+anger by harsh words."
+
+So talking, they entered the field, and there came to Sir Gareth a
+messenger from the Blue Knight to ask him if he came in peace or in
+war. "As your lord pleases," said Sir Gareth. So when the messenger
+had brought back this word, the Blue Knight mounted his horse, took
+his spear in his hand, and rode upon Sir Gareth. At their first
+encounter their lances shivered to pieces, and such was the shock
+that their horses fell dead. So they rushed on each other with
+sword and shield, cutting and slashing till the armour was hacked
+from their bodies; but at last, Sir Gareth smote the Blue Knight
+to the earth. Then the Blue Knight yielded, and at the damsel's
+entreaty, Sir Gareth spared his life.
+
+So they were reconciled, and at the request of the Blue Knight, Sir
+Gareth and the damsel abode that night in his tents. As they sat at
+table, the Blue Knight said: "Fair damsel, are ye not called
+Linet?" "Yes," answered she, "and I am taking this noble knight to
+the relief of my sister, the Lady Liones." "God speed you, Sir,"
+said the Blue Knight, "for he is a stout knight whom ye must meet.
+Long ago might he have taken the lady, but that he hoped that Sir
+Launcelot or some other of Arthur's most famous knights, coming to
+her rescue, might fall beneath his lance. If ye overthrow him, then
+are ye the peer of Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram." "Sir Knight,"
+answered Gareth, "I can but strive to bear me worthily as one whom
+the great Sir Launcelot made knight."
+
+So in the morning they bade farewell to the Blue Knight, who vowed
+to carry to King Arthur word of all that Gareth had achieved; and
+they rode on, till, in the evening, they came to a little ruined
+hermitage where there awaited them a dwarf, sent by the Lady
+Liones, with all manner of meats and other store. In the morning,
+the dwarf set out again to bear word to his lady that her rescuer
+was come. As he drew near the castle, the Red Knight stopped him,
+demanding whence he came. "Sir," said the dwarf, "I have been with
+my lady's sister, who brings with her a knight to the rescue of my
+lady." "It is lost labour," said the Red Knight; "even though she
+brought Launcelot or Tristram, I hold myself a match for them."
+"He is none of these," said the dwarf, "but he has overthrown the
+knights who kept the ford, and the Blue Knight yielded to him."
+"Let him come," said the Red Knight; "I shall soon make an end of
+him, and a shameful death shall he have at my hands, as many a
+better knight has had." So saying, he let the dwarf go.
+
+Presently, there came riding towards the castle Sir Gareth and the
+damsel Linet, and Gareth marvelled to see hang from the trees some
+forty knights in goodly armour, their shields reversed beside them.
+And when he inquired of the damsel, she told him how these were the
+bodies of brave knights who, coming to the rescue of the Lady
+Liones, had been overthrown and shamefully done to death by the Red
+Knight. Then was Gareth shamed and angry, and he vowed to make an
+end of these evil practices. So at last they drew near to the
+castle walls, and saw how the plain around was covered with the Red
+Knight's tents, and the noise was that of a great army. Hard by was
+a tall sycamore tree, and from it hung a mighty horn, made of an
+elephant's tusk. Spurring his horse, Gareth rode to it, and blew
+such a blast that those on the castle walls heard it; the knights
+came forth from their tents to see who blew so bold a blast, and
+from a window of the castle the Lady Liones looked forth and waved
+her hand to her champion. Then, as Sir Gareth made his reverence to
+the lady, the Red Knight called roughly to him to leave his
+courtesy and look to himself; "For," said he, "she is mine, and to
+have her, I have fought many a battle." "It is but vain labour,"
+said Sir Gareth, "since she loves you not. Know, too, Sir Knight,
+that I have vowed to rescue her from you." "So did many another who
+now hangs on a tree," replied the Red Knight, "and soon ye shall
+hang beside them." Then both laid their spears in rest, and spurred
+their horses. At the first encounter, each smote the other full in
+the shield, and the girths of the saddles bursting, they were borne
+to the earth, where they lay for awhile as if dead. But presently
+they rose, and setting their shields before them, rushed upon each
+other with their swords, cutting and hacking till the armour lay on
+the ground in fragments. So they fought till noon and then rested;
+but soon they renewed the battle, and so furiously they fought,
+that often they fell to the ground together. Then, when the bells
+sounded for evensong, the knights rested again a while, unlacing
+their helms to breathe the evening air. But looking up to the
+castle windows, Gareth saw the Lady Liones gazing earnestly upon
+him; then he caught up his helmet, and calling to the Red Knight,
+bade him make ready for the battle; "And this time," said he, "we
+will make an end of it." "So be it," said the Red Knight. Then the
+Red Knight smote Gareth on the hand that his sword flew from his
+grasp, and with another blow he brought him grovelling to the
+earth. At the sight of this, Linet cried aloud, and hearing her,
+Gareth, with a mighty effort, threw off the Red Knight, leaped to
+his sword and got it again within his hand. Then he pressed the Red
+Knight harder than ever, and at the last bore him to the earth,
+and unlacing his helm, made ready to slay him; but the Red Knight
+cried aloud: "Mercy; I yield." At first, remembering the evil
+deaths of the forty good knights, Gareth was unwilling to spare
+him; but the Red Knight besought him to have mercy, telling him
+how, against his will, he had been bound by a vow to make war on
+Arthur's knights. So Sir Gareth relented, and bade him set forth at
+once for Kink Kenadon and entreat the King's pardon for his evil
+past. And this the Red Knight promised to do.
+
+Then amidst much rejoicing, Sir Gareth was borne into the castle.
+There his wounds were dressed by the Lady Liones, and there he
+rested until he recovered his strength. And having won her love,
+when Gareth returned to Arthur's court, the Lady Liones rode with
+him, and they two were wed with great pomp in the presence of the
+whole Fellowship of the Round Table; the King rejoicing much that
+his nephew had done so valiantly. So Sir Gareth lived happily with
+Dame Liones, winning fame and the love of all true knights. As for
+Linet, she came again to Arthur's court and wedded Sir Gareth's
+younger brother, Sir Gaheris.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V
+
+SIR GERAINT
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF GERAINT
+
+
+It befell, one Whitsunday, that Arthur was holding his court at
+Caerleon, when word was brought to him of a splendid white stag
+that ranged the Forest of Dean, and forthwith the King proclaimed a
+hunt for the morrow.
+
+So, with the dawn, there was much trampling of hoofs and baying of
+hounds as all the knights got to horse; but Queen Guenevere
+herself, though she had said she would ride with the hunt, slept
+late, and when she called her maidens to her, it was broad day.
+Then, with much haste, she arrayed herself, and taking one of her
+ladies with her, rode to a little rising ground in the forest, near
+which, as she well knew, the hunt must pass.
+
+Presently, as she waited, there came riding by the gallant knight,
+Geraint of Devon. He was arrayed neither for the chase nor for the
+fight, but wore a surcoat of white satin and about him a loose
+scarf of purple, with a golden apple at each corner. And when the
+Queen had answered his salutation, she said: "How is it, Prince,
+that ye be not ridden with the hunters?" "Madam," answered he,
+"with shame I say it; I slept too late." Smiling, the Queen said:
+"Then are we both in the same case, for I also arose too late. But
+tarry with me, and soon ye will hear the baying of the hounds; for
+often I have known them break covert here."
+
+Then as they waited on the little woodland knoll, there came riding
+past a knight full armed, a lady with him, and behind them a dwarf,
+misshapen and evil-looking, and they passed without word or
+salutation to the Queen.
+
+Then said Guenevere to Geraint: "Prince, know ye yonder knight?"
+"Nay, madam," said he; "his arms I know not, and his face I might
+not see." Thereupon the Queen turned to her attendant and said:
+"Ride after them quickly and ask the dwarf his master's name." So
+the maiden did as she was bidden; but when she inquired of the
+dwarf, he answered her roughly: "I will not tell thee my master's
+name." "Since thou art so churlish," said she, "I will even ask him
+himself." "That thou shalt not," he cried, and struck her across
+the face with his whip. So the maiden, alarmed and angered, rode
+back to the Queen and told her all that had happened. "Madam,"
+cried Geraint, "the churl has wronged your maiden and insulted your
+person. I pray you, suffer me to do your errand myself." With the
+word, he put spurs to his horse and rode after the three. And when
+he had come up with the dwarf, he asked the knight's name as the
+maiden had done, and the dwarf answered him as he had answered the
+Queen's lady. "I will speak with thy master himself," said Geraint.
+"Thou shalt not, by my faith!" said the dwarf. "Thou art not
+honourable enough to speak with my lord." "I have spoken with men
+of as good rank as he," answered Geraint, and would have turned his
+horse's head that he might ride after the knight; but the dwarf
+struck him across the face such a blow that the blood spurted forth
+over his purple scarf. Then, in his wrath, Geraint clapped hand to
+sword, and would have slain the churl, but that he bethought him
+how powerless was such a misshapen thing. So refraining himself, he
+rode back to the Queen and said: "Madam, for the time the knight
+has escaped me. But, with your leave, I will ride after him, and
+require of him satisfaction for the wrong done to yourself and to
+your maiden. It must be that I shall come presently to a town where
+I may obtain armour. Farewell; if I live, ye shall have tidings of
+me by next even." "Farewell," said the Queen; "I shall ever hold
+your good service in remembrance."
+
+So Geraint rode forth on his quest, and followed the road to the
+ford of the Usk, where he crossed, and then went on his way until
+he came to a town, at the further end of which rose a mighty
+castle. And as he entered the town, he saw the knight and the lady,
+and how, as they rode through the streets, from every window the
+folk craned their necks to see them pass, until they entered the
+castle and the gate fell behind them. Then was Geraint satisfied
+that they would not pass thence that night, and turned him about to
+see where he could obtain the use of arms that, the next day, he
+might call the knight to account.
+
+Now it seemed that the whole town was in a ferment. In every house,
+men were busy polishing shields, sharpening swords, and washing
+armour, and scarce could they find time to answer questions put to
+them; so at the last, finding nowhere in the town to rest, Geraint
+rode in the direction of a ruined palace, which stood a little
+apart from the town, and was reached by a marble bridge spanning a
+deep ravine. Seated on the bridge was an old man, hoary-headed, and
+clothed in the tattered remains of what had once been splendid
+attire, who gave Geraint courteous greeting. "Sir," said Geraint,
+"I pray you, know ye where I may find shelter for this night?"
+"Come with me," said the old man, "and ye shall have the best my
+old halls afford." So saying, he led Geraint into a great
+stone-paved court-yard, surrounded by buildings, once strong
+fortifications, but then half burned and ruinous. There he bade
+Geraint dismount, and led the way into an upper chamber, where sat
+an aged dame, and with her a maiden the fairest that ever Geraint
+had looked upon, for all that her attire was but a faded robe and
+veil. Then the old man spoke to the maiden, saying: "Enid, take the
+good knight's charger to a stall and give him corn. Then go to the
+town and buy us provision for a feast to-night." Now it pleased not
+Geraint that the maiden should thus do him service; but when he
+made to accompany her, the old man, her father, stayed him and kept
+him in converse until presently she was returned from the town and
+had made all ready for the evening meal. Then they sat them down to
+supper, the old man and his wife with Geraint between them; and the
+fair maid, Enid, waited upon them, though it irked the Prince to
+see her do such menial service.
+
+So as they ate, they talked, and presently Geraint asked of the
+cause why the palace was all in ruins. "Sir knight," said the old
+man, "I am Yniol, and once I was lord of a broad earldom. But my
+nephew, whose guardian I had been, made war upon me, affirming that
+I had withheld from him his dues; and being the stronger, he
+prevailed, and seized my lands and burnt my halls, even as ye see.
+For the townsfolk hold with him, because that, with his tournaments
+and feastings, he brings many strangers their way." "What then is
+all the stir in the town even now?" asked Geraint. "To-morrow,"
+said the Earl, "they hold the tournament of the Sparrow-Hawk. In
+the midst of the meadow are set up two forks, and on the forks a
+silver rod, and on the rod the form of a Sparrow-Hawk. Two years
+has it been won by the stout knight Edeyrn, and if he win it the
+morrow, it shall be his for aye, and he himself known as the
+Sparrow-Hawk." "Tell me," cried Geraint, "is that the knight that
+rode this day with a lady and a dwarf to the castle hard by?" "The
+same," said Yniol; "and a bold knight he is." Then Geraint told
+them of the insult offered that morning to Queen Guenevere and her
+maiden, and how he had ridden forth to obtain satisfaction. "And
+now, I pray you," said Geraint, "help me to come by some arms, and
+in to-morrow's lists will I call this Sparrow-Hawk to account."
+"Arms have I," answered the Earl, "old and rusty indeed, yet at
+your service. But, Sir Knight, ye may not appear in to-morrow's
+tournament, for none may contend unless he bring with him a lady in
+whose honour he jousts." Then cried Geraint: "Lord Earl, suffer me
+to lay lance in rest in honour of the fair maiden, your daughter.
+And if I fall to-morrow, no harm shall have been done her, and if I
+win, I will love her my life long, and make her my true wife." Now
+Enid, her service ended, had left them to their talk; but the Earl,
+rejoicing that so noble a knight should seek his daughter's love,
+promised that, with the maiden's consent, all should be as the
+Prince desired.
+
+So they retired to rest that night, and the next day at dawn,
+Geraint arose, and, donning the rusty old armour lent him by Earl
+Yniol, rode to the lists; and there amongst the humbler sort of
+onlookers, he found the old Earl and his wife and with them their
+fair daughter.
+
+Then the heralds blew their trumpets, and Edeyrn bade his lady-love
+take the Sparrow-Hawk, her due as fairest of the fair. "Forbear,"
+cried Geraint; "here is one fairer and nobler for whom I claim the
+prize of the tournament." "Do battle for it, then!" cried Edeyrn.
+So the two took their lances and rushed upon one another with a
+crash like thunder, and each broke his spear. Thus they encountered
+once and again; but at the last Geraint bore down upon Edeyrn with
+such force that he carried him from his horse, saddle and all. Then
+he dismounted, and the two rushed upon each other with their
+swords. Long they fought, the sparks flying and their breath coming
+hard, till, exerting all his strength, Geraint dealt the other such
+a blow as cleft his helmet and bit to the bone. Then Edeyrn flung
+away his sword and yielded him. "Thou shalt have thy life," said
+Geraint, "upon condition that, forthwith, thou goest to Arthur's
+court, there to deliver thyself to our Queen, and make such
+atonement as shall be adjudged thee, for the insult offered her
+yester morn." "I will do so," answered Edeyrn; and when his wounds
+had been dressed he got heavily to horse and rode forth to
+Caerleon.
+
+Then the young Earl, Yniol's nephew, adjudged the Sparrow-Hawk to
+Geraint, as victor in the tourney, and prayed him to come to his
+castle to rest and feast. But Geraint, declining courteously, said
+that it behoved him to go there where he had rested the night
+before. "Where may that have been?" asked the Earl; "for though ye
+come not to my castle, yet would I see that ye fare as befits your
+valour." "I rested even with Yniol, your uncle," answered Geraint.
+The young Earl mused awhile, and then he said: "I will seek you,
+then, in my uncle's halls, and bring with me the means to furnish
+forth a feast."
+
+And so it was. Scarcely had Prince Geraint returned to the ruined
+hall and bathed and rested him after his labours, when the young
+Earl arrived, and with him forty of his followers bearing all
+manner of stores and plenishings. And that same hour, the young
+Earl was accorded with Yniol, his uncle, restoring to him the lands
+of which he had deprived him, and pledging his word to build up
+again the ruined palace.
+
+When they had gone to the banquet, then came to them Enid, attired
+in beautiful raiment befitting her rank; and the old Earl led her
+to Geraint, saying: "Prince, here is the maiden for whom ye fought,
+and freely I bestow her upon you." So Geraint took her hand before
+them all and said: "She shall ride with me to Caerleon, and there
+will I wed her before Arthur's court." Then to Enid he said:
+"Gentle maiden, bear with me when I pray you to don the faded robe
+and veil in which first I saw you." And Enid, who was ever gentle
+and meek, did as he desired, and that evening they rode to
+Caerleon.
+
+So when they drew near the King's palace, word was brought to
+Guenevere of their approach. Then the Queen went forth to greet the
+good knight, and when she had heard all his story, she kissed the
+maiden, and leading her into her own chamber, arrayed her right
+royally for her marriage with the Prince. And that evening they
+were wed amidst great rejoicing, in the presence of all the
+knights and ladies of the court, the King himself giving Enid to
+her husband. Many happy days they spent at Caerleon, rejoicing in
+the love and good-will of Arthur and his Queen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+GERAINT AND ENID
+
+
+Geraint and the fair Enid abode more than a year at Arthur's court;
+Enid winning daily more and more the love of all by her gentleness
+and goodness, and Geraint being ever amongst the foremost in the
+tournament. But presently there came word of robber raids upon the
+borders of Devon; wherefore the Prince craved leave of Arthur to
+return to his own land, there to put down wrong and oppression, and
+maintain order and justice. And the King bade him go and secure to
+every man his due.
+
+So Geraint passed to his own land, Enid going with him; and soon he
+had driven the oppressors from their strongholds and established
+peace and order, so that the poor man dwelt in his little cot
+secure in his possessions. But when all was done, and there was
+none dared defy him, Geraint abode at home, neglectful of the
+tournament and the chase, and all those manly exercises in which he
+had once excelled, content if he had but the companionship of his
+wife; so that his nobles murmured because he withdrew himself from
+their society, and the common people jeered at him for a laggard.
+
+Now these evil rumours came to Enid's ears, and it grieved her that
+she should be the cause, however unwillingly, of her husband's
+dishonour; and since she could not bring herself to speak to her
+lord of what was in her heart, daily she grew more sorrowful, till
+the Prince, aware of her altered demeanour, became uneasy, not
+knowing its source.
+
+So time went by till it chanced, one summer morning, that with the
+first rays of the sun, Enid awoke from her slumbers, and, rising,
+gazed upon her husband as he lay, and marvelled at his strength.
+"Alas!" said she, "to be the cause that my lord suffers shame!
+Surely I should find courage to tell him all, were I indeed true
+wife to him!" Then, by ill chance, her tears falling upon him awoke
+him, so that he heard her words, but brokenly, and seeing her weep
+and hearing her accuse herself, it came into his thought that, for
+all his love and care for her, she was weary of him, nay, even that
+perhaps she loved him not at all. In anger and grief he called to
+his squire and bade him saddle his charger and a palfrey for Enid;
+and to her he said: "Put on thy meanest attire, and thou shalt ride
+with me into the wilderness. It seems that I have yet to win me
+fame; but before thou seest home again, thou shalt learn if indeed
+I am fallen so low as thou deemest." And Enid, wondering and
+troubled, answered, "I know naught of thy meaning, my lord." "Ask
+me nothing," said Geraint. So sorrowfully and in silence Enid
+arrayed herself, choosing for her apparel the faded robe and veil
+in which first her lord had seen her.
+
+Then the squire brought them their horses; but when he would have
+mounted and ridden after, Geraint forbade him. And to Enid the
+Prince said: "Ride before me and turn not back, no matter what thou
+seest or hearest. And unless I speak to thee, say not a word to
+me."
+
+So they rode forward along the least frequented road till they came
+to a vast forest, which they entered. There Enid, as she rode in
+front, saw four armed men lurking by the road, and one said to the
+other: "See, now is our opportunity to win much spoil at little
+cost; for we may easily overcome this doleful knight, and take from
+him his arms and lady." And Enid hearing them, was filled with fear
+and doubt; for she longed to warn her lord of his danger, yet
+feared to arouse his wrath, seeing he had bidden her keep silence.
+Then said she to herself: "Better to anger him, even to the slaying
+of me, than have the misery of seeing him perish." So she waited
+till Geraint drew near, and said: "Lord, there lie in wait for thee
+four men fully armed, to slay and rob thee." Then he answered her
+in anger: "Did I desire thy silence or thy warning? Look, then, and
+whether thou desirest my life or my death, thou shalt see that I
+dread not these robbers." Then, as the foremost of the four rode
+upon him, Geraint drove upon him with his spear with such force
+that the weapon stood out a cubit behind him; and so he did with
+the second, and the third, and the fourth. Then, dismounting from
+his horse, he stripped the dead felons of their armour, bound it
+upon their horses, and tying the bridle reins together, bade Enid
+drive the beasts before her. "And," said he, "I charge thee, at thy
+peril, speak no word to me."
+
+So they went forward; and presently Enid saw how three horsemen,
+well armed and well mounted, rode towards them. And one said to the
+other: "Good fortune, indeed! Here are four horses and four suits
+of armour for us, and but one knight to deal with; a craven too, by
+the way he hangs his head." Then Enid thought within herself how
+her lord was wearied with his former combat, and resolved to warn
+him even at her own peril. So she waited till he was come up with
+her, and said: "Lord, there be three men riding towards us, and
+they promise themselves rich booty at small cost." Wrathfully spoke
+Geraint: "Their words anger me less than thy disobedience"; and
+immediately rushing upon the mid-most of the three knights, he bore
+him from his horse; then he turned upon the other two who rode
+against him at the same moment, and slew them both. As with the
+former caitiffs, so now Geraint stripped the three of their armour,
+bound it upon the horses, and bade Enid drive these forward with
+the other four.
+
+Again they rode on their way, and, for all his anger, it smote
+Geraint to the heart to see the gentle lady labouring to drive
+forward the seven horses. So he bade her stay, for they would go no
+farther then, but rest that night as best they might in the forest;
+and scarcely had they dismounted and tethered the horses before
+Geraint, wearied with his encounters, fell asleep; but Enid
+remained watching, lest harm should come to her lord while he
+slept.
+
+With the first ray of light, Geraint awoke, and his anger against
+Enid was not passed; so, without more ado, he set her on her
+palfrey and bade her drive the horses on in front as before,
+charging her that, whatever befell, that day at least, she should
+keep silence.
+
+Soon they passed from the forest into open land, and came upon a
+river flowing through broad meadows where the mowers toiled. Then,
+as they waited to let the horses drink their fill, there drew near
+a youth, bearing a basket of bread and meat and a blue pitcher
+covered over with a bowl. So when the youth saluted them, Geraint
+stayed him, asking whence he came. "My lord," said the lad, "I am
+come from the town hard by, to bring the mowers their breakfast."
+"I pray thee, then," said the Prince, "give of the food to this
+lady, for she is faint." "That will I gladly," answered the youth,
+"and do ye also partake, noble sir"; and he spread the meal for
+them on the grass while they dismounted. So when they had eaten and
+were refreshed, the youth gathered up the basket and pitcher,
+saying he would return to the town for food for the mowers. "Do
+so," said the Prince, "and when thou art come there, take for me
+the best lodging that thou mayst. And for thy fair service, take a
+horse and armour, whichsoever thou wilt." "My lord, ye reward me
+far beyond my deserts," cried the youth. "Right gladly will I make
+all ready against your arrival, and acquaint my master, the Earl,
+of your coming."
+
+So Geraint and Enid followed after the youth to the town, and
+there they found everything prepared for their comfort, even as he
+had promised; for they were lodged in a goodly chamber well
+furnished with all that they might require. Then said Geraint to
+Enid: "Abide at one end of the room and I will remain at the other.
+And call the woman of the house if thou desirest her aid and
+comfort in aught." "I thank thee, lord," answered Enid patiently;
+but she called for no service, remaining silent and forlorn in the
+farthest corner of the great chamber.
+
+Presently there came to the house the Earl, the youth's master, and
+with him twelve goodly knights to wait upon him. And Geraint
+welcomed them right heartily, bidding the host bring forth his best
+to furnish a feast. So they sat them down at the table, each in his
+degree according to his rank, and feasted long and merrily; but
+Enid remained the while shrinking into her corner if perchance she
+might escape all notice.
+
+As they sat at the banquet, the Earl asked Prince Geraint what
+quest he followed. "None but mine own inclination and the adventure
+it may please heaven to send," said Geraint. Then the Earl, whose
+eye had oft sought Enid as she sat apart, said: "Have I your good
+leave to cross the room and speak to your fair damsel? For she
+joins us not in the feast." "Ye have it freely," answered the
+Prince. So the Earl arose, and approaching Enid, bowed before her,
+and spoke to her in low tones, saying: "Damsel, sad life is yours,
+I fear, to journey with yonder man." "To travel the road he takes
+is pleasant enough to me," answered Enid. "But see what slights he
+puts upon you! To suffer you to journey thus, unattended by page or
+maiden, argues but little love or reverence for you." "It is as
+nothing, so that I am with him," said Enid. "Nay, but," said the
+Earl, "see how much happier a life might be yours. Leave this
+churl, who values you not, and all that I have, land and riches,
+and my love and service for ever shall be yours." "Ye cannot tempt
+me, with aught that ye can offer, to be false to him to whom I
+vowed my faith," said she. "Ye are a fool!" said the Earl in a
+fierce whisper. "One word to these my knights, and yonder is a dead
+man. Then who shall hinder me that I take you by force? Nay, now,
+be better advised, and I vow you my whole devotion for all time."
+Then was Enid filled with dread of the man and his might, and
+seeking but to gain time, she said: "Suffer me to be for this
+present, my lord, and to-morrow ye shall come and take me as by
+force. Then shall my name not suffer loss." "So be it," said he; "I
+will not fail you." With that he left her, and taking his leave of
+Geraint, departed with his followers.
+
+Never a word of what the Earl had said did Enid tell her husband
+that night; and on the departure of his guests, the Prince,
+unheedful of her, flung him on the couch, and soon slept, despite
+his grief and wrath. But Enid watched again that night, and, before
+cock-crow, arose, set all his armour ready in one place, and then,
+though fearful of his wrath, stepped to his side and touching him
+gently, said: "Awake, my lord, and arm you, and save me and
+yourself." Then she told him of all the Earl had said and of the
+device she had used to save them both. Then wrathfully he rose and
+armed himself, bidding her rouse the host to saddle and bring forth
+the horses. When all was ready, Prince Geraint asked the man his
+reckoning. "Ye owe but little," said the host. "Take then the seven
+horses and the suits of armour," said Geraint. "Why, noble sir,"
+cried the host, "I scarce have spent the value of one." "The richer
+thou," answered Geraint. "Now show me the road from the town."
+
+So the man guided them from the town, and scarce was he returned
+when Earl Durm--for so was the Earl named--hammered at the door,
+with forty followers at his back. "Where is the knight who was here
+erewhile?" "He is gone hence, my lord," answered the host. "Fool
+and villain!" cried the Earl, "why didst thou suffer him to escape?
+Which way went he?" And the man, fearful and trembling, directed
+the Earl the road Geraint had gone.
+
+So it came to pass, as they rode on their way, Enid in front, the
+Prince behind, that it seemed to Enid she heard the beat of many
+horse-hoofs. And, as before, she broke Geraint's command, caring
+little for aught that might befall her in comparison of loss to
+him. "My lord," said she, "seest thou yonder knight pursuing thee
+and many another with him?" "Yea, in good truth, I see him," said
+Geraint, "and I see, too, that never wilt thou obey me." Then he
+turned him about and, laying lance in rest, bore straight down upon
+Earl Durm, who foremost rushed upon him; and such was the shock of
+their encounter, that Earl Durm was borne from his saddle and lay
+without motion as one dead. And Geraint charged fiercely upon the
+Earl's men, unhorsing some and wounding others; and the rest,
+having little heart for the fight after their master's overthrow,
+turned and fled.
+
+Then Geraint signed to Enid to ride on as before, and so they
+journeyed the space of another hour while the summer sun beat upon
+them with ever increasing force. Now the Prince had received a
+grievous hurt in the encounter with Earl Durm and his men; but such
+was his spirit that he heeded it not, though the wound bled sore
+under his armour. Presently, as they rode, there came to them the
+sound of wailing, and by the wayside they saw a lady weeping
+bitterly over a knight who lay dead on the ground. "Lady," said
+Geraint, "what has befallen you?" "Noble knight," she replied, "as
+we rode through the forest, my husband and I, three villains set
+upon him at once, and slew him." "Which way went they?" asked
+Geraint. "Straight on by this high-road that ye follow even now,"
+answered she. Then Geraint bade Enid remain with the lady while he
+rode on to take vengeance on the miscreants. And Enid waited
+fearfully the long while he was gone, and her heart rejoiced when
+she saw him returning. But soon her joy was turned to sorrow, for
+his armour was all dented and covered with blood and his face
+ghastly; and even as he reached her side, he fell from his horse,
+prone on the ground. Then Enid strove to loosen his armour, and
+having found the wound, she staunched it as best she might and
+bound it with her veil. And taking his head on her lap, she chafed
+his hands and tried with her own body to shield him from the sun,
+her tears falling fast the while. So she waited till, perchance,
+help might come that way; and presently, indeed, she heard the
+tramp of horses, and a troop came riding by with the Earl Limours
+at their head. And when the Earl saw the two fallen knights and the
+weeping women beside them, he stayed his horse, and said: "Ladies,
+what has chanced to you?" Then she whose husband had been slain
+said: "Sir, three caitiffs set on my husband at once and slew him.
+Then came this good knight and went in pursuit of them, and as I
+think, slew them; but when he came back, he fell from his horse,
+sore wounded as ye see, and, I fear me, by now he is dead." "Nay,
+gentle sir," cried Enid; "it cannot be that he is dead. Only, I
+beseech you, suffer two of your men to carry him hence to some
+place of shelter where he may have help and tendance." "I misdoubt
+me, it is but labour wasted," said the Earl; "nevertheless, for the
+sake of your fair face, it shall be as ye desire." Then he ordered
+two of his men to carry Geraint to his halls and two more to stay
+behind and bury the dead knight, while he caused the two women to
+be placed on led horses; and so they rode to his castle. When they
+were arrived there, the two spearmen who had carried Geraint,
+placed him on a settle in the hall, and Enid crouched by his side,
+striving if by any means she might bring him back to life. And
+gradually Geraint recovered, though still he lay as in a swoon,
+hearing indeed what passed around him, but dimly, as from a
+distance.
+
+Soon there came into the hall many servitors, who brought forth
+the tables and set thereon all manner of meats, haunches of venison
+and boars' heads and great pasties, together with huge flagons of
+wine. Then when all was set, there came trooping to the board the
+whole company of Earl Limours' retainers; last of all came the Earl
+himself and took his place on the raised dais. Suddenly, as he
+feasted and made merry, he espied Enid, who, mistrusting him
+utterly, would fain have escaped his eye. And when he saw her, he
+cried: "Lady, cease wasting sorrow on a dead man and come hither.
+Thou shalt have a seat by my side; ay, and myself, too, and my
+Earldom to boot." "I thank you, lord," she answered meekly, "but, I
+pray you, suffer me to be as I am." "Thou art a fool," said
+Limours; "little enough he prized thee, I warrant, else had he not
+put thy beauty to such scorn, dressing it in faded rags! Nay, be
+wise; eat and drink, and thou wilt think the better of me and my
+fair proffer." "I will not," cried Enid; "I will neither eat nor
+drink, till my lord arise and eat with me." "Thou vowest more than
+thou canst perform. He is dead already. Nay, thou shalt drink."
+With the word, he strode to her and thrust into her hand a goblet
+brimming with wine, crying, "Drink." "Nay, lord," she said, "I
+beseech you, spare me and be pitiful." "Gentleness avails nothing
+with thee," cried the Earl in wrath; "thou hast scorned my fair
+courtesy. Thou shalt taste the contrary." So saying, he smote her
+across the face.
+
+Then Enid, knowing all her helplessness, uttered an exceeding
+bitter cry, and the sound roused Geraint. Grasping his sword, with
+one bound he was upon the Earl and, with one blow, shore his neck
+in two. Then those who sat at meat fled shrieking, for they
+believed that the dead had come to life.
+
+But Geraint gazed upon Enid and his heart smote him, thinking of
+the sorrow he had brought upon her. "Lady and sweet wife," he
+cried, "for the wrong I have done thee, pardon me. For, hearing thy
+words not three days since at morn, I doubted thy love and thy
+loyalty. But now I know thee and trust thee beyond the power of
+words to shake my faith." "Ah! my lord," cried Enid, "fly, lest
+they return and slay thee." "Knowest thou where is my charger?" "I
+will bring thee to it." So they found the war-horse and Geraint
+mounted it, setting Enid behind him; thus they went forth in the
+direction of the nearest town, that they might find rest and
+succour. Then, as they rode, there came forth from a glade of the
+forest a knight, who, seeing Geraint, at once laid lance in rest as
+if he would ride upon him. And Enid, fearing for her husband,
+shrieked aloud, crying: "Noble knight, whosoever ye be, encounter
+not with a man nigh wounded to the death." Immediately the knight
+raised his lance and looking more attentively upon, them, he
+exclaimed: "What! is it Prince Geraint? Pardon me, noble knight,
+that I knew you not at once. I am that Edeyrn whom once ye
+overthrew and spared. At Arthur's court, whither ye sent me, I was
+shown kindness and courtesy little deserved, and now am I knight of
+Arthur's Round Table. But how came ye in such a case?" Then Geraint
+told him of his encounter with the three caitiffs, and how he had
+afterwards been borne to the castle of Earl Limours. "To do justice
+on that same felon is Arthur himself here even now," cried Edeyrn.
+"His camp is hard by." Then Geraint told Edeyrn how Limours lay
+dead in his own halls, justly punished for the many wrongs he had
+done, and how his people were scattered. "Come then yourself to
+greet the King and tell him what has chanced." So he led the way to
+Arthur's camp, where it lay in the forest hard by. Then were they
+welcomed by the King himself and a tent assigned to them, where
+Geraint rested until his wounds were healed.
+
+Never again, from that time forth, had Geraint a doubt of the love
+and truth of Enid; and never from that time had she to mourn that
+he seemed to set small store by his knightly fame. For after he was
+cured, they returned to their own land, and there Geraint upheld
+the King's justice, righting wrong and putting down robbery and
+oppression, so that the people blessed him and his gentle wife.
+Year by year, his fame grew, till his name was known through all
+lands; and at last, when his time was come, he died a knightly
+death, as he had lived a knightly life, in the service of his lord,
+King Arthur.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VI
+
+THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
+
+
+King Arthur was holding his court at Caerleon-upon-Usk, and it was
+the time of the evening banquet, when there entered the hall the
+good knight, Sir Kynon. A brave warrior was he, and of good
+counsel, but he seemed in weary plight as, after due salutation to
+all, he took his place at the Round Table. So it was that all were
+eager to hear of his adventure, yet none would question him until
+he had eaten and drunk. But when he was refreshed, the King said to
+him: "Whence come ye, Sir Kynon? For it would seem that ye have met
+with hard adventure." "Sir King," answered Kynon, "it has been with
+me as never before; for I have encountered with, and been
+overthrown by, a single knight." All were filled with wonder at his
+words, for never before had Sir Kynon been worsted in any meeting,
+man to man. Then said the King: "The stoutest of us must some time
+meet his match; yet did ye bear you valiantly, I doubt not. Tell us
+now, I pray you, of your adventures." "Noble lord," said Kynon, "I
+had determined to journey into other lands; for I would seek new
+and untried adventures. So I passed into a far land, and it
+chanced, one day, that I found myself in the fairest valley I had
+ever seen. Through it there flowed a mighty river, which I
+followed, until I came, as evening fell, to a castle, the largest
+and strongest I have ever seen. At the castle gate I espied a man
+of right noble mien, who greeted me courteously, and bade me enter.
+So as we sat at supper, he inquired of my journey and the quest I
+followed, and I told him how I sought but adventure, and whether,
+perchance, I might encounter one stronger than myself. Then the
+lord of the castle smiled and said: 'I can bring you to such an
+one, if ye would rather that I showed you your disadvantage than
+your advantage.' And when I questioned him further, he replied:
+'Sleep here this night, and to-morrow I will show you such an one
+as ye seek.' So I rested that night, and with the dawn I rose and
+took my leave of the lord of the castle, who said to me: 'If ye
+will persevere in your quest, follow the path to the head of the
+glade, and ascend the wooded steep until ye come to an open space
+in the forest, with but one great tree in its midst. Under the tree
+is a fountain, and beside it a marble slab to which is chained a
+silver bowl. Take a bowlful of water and dash it upon the slab, and
+presently there will appear a knight spurring to encounter with
+you. If ye flee, he will pursue, but if ye overcome him, there
+exists none in this world whom ye need fear to have ado with.'
+
+"Forthwith I departed, and following these directions, I came at
+last to such a space as he described, with the tree and fountain in
+its midst. So I took the bowl and dashed water from the fountain
+upon the marble slab, and, on the instant, came a clap of thunder
+so loud as near deafened me, and a storm of hailstones the biggest
+that ever man saw. Scarce was I recovered from my confusion, when I
+saw a knight galloping towards me. All in black was he, and he rode
+a black horse. Not a word we spoke, but we dashed against each
+other, and at the first encounter I was unhorsed. Still not a word
+spoke the Black Knight, but passing the butt-end of his lance
+through my horse's reins, rode away, leaving me shamed and on foot.
+So I made my way back to the castle, and there I was entertained
+again that night right hospitably, none questioning me as to my
+adventure. The next morning, when I rose, there awaited me a noble
+steed, ready saddled and bridled, and I rode away and am returned
+hither. And now ye know my story and my shame."
+
+Then were all grieved for the discomfiture of Sir Kynon, who had
+ever borne himself boldly and courteously to all; and they strove
+to console him as best they might. Presently there rose from his
+siege the good knight Sir Owain of Rheged, and said: "My lord, I
+pray you, give me leave to take upon me this adventure. For I would
+gladly seek this wondrous fountain and encounter with this same
+Black Knight." So the King consented, and on the morrow Sir Owain
+armed him, mounted his horse, and rode forth the way Sir Kynon had
+directed him.
+
+So he journeyed many a day until at last he reached the valley of
+which Sir Kynon had told, and presently he came to the strong
+castle and, at the gate, met the lord thereof, even as Sir Kynon
+had done. And the lord of the castle gave him a hearty welcome and
+made him good cheer, asking nothing of his errand till they were
+seated about the board. Then, when questioned, Sir Owain declared
+his quest, that he sought the knight who guarded the fountain. So
+the lord of the castle, failing to dissuade Sir Owain from the
+adventure, directed him how he might find the forest glade wherein
+was the wondrous fountain.
+
+With the dawn, Sir Owain rose, mounted his horse, and rode forward
+until he had found the fountain. Then he dashed water on the marble
+slab and instantly there burst over him the fearful hailstorm, and
+through it there came pricking towards him the Black Knight on the
+black steed. In the first onset, they broke their lances and then,
+drawing sword, they fought blade to blade. Sore was the contest,
+but at the last Owain dealt the Black Knight so fierce a blow that
+the sword cut through helmet and bone to the very brain. Then the
+Black Knight knew that he had got his death-wound, and turning his
+horse's head, fled as fast as he might, Sir Owain following close
+behind. So they came, fast galloping, to the gate of a mighty
+castle, and instantly the portcullis was raised and the Black
+Knight dashed through the gateway. But Sir Owain, following close
+behind, found himself a prisoner, fast caught between two gates;
+for as the Black Knight passed through the inner of the two gates,
+it was closed before Sir Owain could follow. For the moment none
+noticed Sir Owain, for all were busied about the Black Knight, who
+drew not rein till he was come to the castle hall; then as he
+strove to dismount, he fell from his saddle, dead.
+
+All this Sir Owain saw through the bars of the gate that held him
+prisoner; and he judged that his time was come, for he doubted not
+but that the people of the castle would hold his life forfeit for
+the death of their lord. So as he waited, suddenly there stood at
+his side a fair damsel, who, laying finger on lip, motioned to him
+to follow her. Much wondering, he obeyed, and climbed after her up
+a dark winding staircase, that led from the gateway into a tiny
+chamber high in the tower. There she set food and wine before him,
+bidding him eat; then when he was refreshed, she asked him his name
+and whence he came. "Truly," answered he, "I am Owain of Rheged,
+knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who, in fair fight, have
+wounded, I doubt not to the death, the Black Knight that guards the
+fountain and, as I suppose, the lord of this castle. Wherefore,
+maiden, if ye intend me evil, lead me where I may answer for my
+deed, boldly, man to man." "Nay," answered the damsel eagerly, "in
+a good hour ye are come. Well I know your name, for even here have
+we heard of your mighty deeds; and by good fortune it may be that
+ye shall release my lady." "Who is your lady?" asked Sir Owain.
+"None other than the rightful Chatelaine of this castle and
+Countess of broad lands besides; but this year and more has the
+Black Knight held her prisoner in her own halls because she would
+not listen to his suit." "Then lead me to your lady forthwith,"
+cried Sir Owain; "right gladly will I take her quarrel upon me if
+there be any that will oppose me." So she led him to the Countess'
+bower, and there he made him known to the fair lady and proffered
+her his services. And she that had long deemed there was no
+deliverance for her, accepted them right gladly. So taking her by
+the hand, he led her down to the hall, and there, standing at the
+door, he proclaimed her the lawful lady of that castle and all its
+lands, and himself ready to do battle in her cause. But none
+answered his challenge, for those that had held with the Black
+Knight, deprived of their leader, had lost heart, whereas they that
+for their loyalty to their lady had been held in subjection,
+gathered fast about Sir Owain, ready to do battle. So in short
+space, Sir Owain drove forth the lawless invaders of the Countess'
+lands, and called together her vassals that they might do homage
+to her anew.
+
+Thus he abode in the castle many days, seeking in all that he might
+to do her service, until through all her lands order was restored,
+and her right acknowledged. But when all was done, Sir Owain yet
+tarried in the lady's castle; for he loved her much, but doubted
+ever of her favour. So one day, Luned, the damsel who had come to
+his aid on the day that he slew the Black Knight, said to him:
+"Alas! Sir Knight, the time must come when ye will leave us. And
+who will then defend my lady's fountain, which is the key to all
+her lands? For who holds the fountain, holds the land also." "I
+will never fail your lady while there is breath in my body," cried
+Sir Owain. "Then were it well that ye stayed here ever," answered
+Luned. "Gladly would I," answered Sir Owain, "if that I might." "Ye
+might find a way if your wits were as sharp as your sword," she
+answered, and laughing, left him, but herself sought her lady. Long
+he pondered her words, and he was still deep in thought, when there
+came to him the Countess, and said: "Sir Knight, I hear that ye
+must leave us." "Nay, my lady," answered Sir Owain, "I will stay as
+long as ye require my services." "There must ever be one to guard
+the fountain, and he who guards the fountain, is lord of these
+lands," answered the lady softly. Then Sir Owain found words at
+last, and bending the knee, he said: "Lady, if ye love me, I will
+stay and guard you and your lands; and if ye love me not, I will go
+into my own country, and yet will I come again whensoever ye have
+need of me. For never loved I any but you." Then the Countess bade
+him stay, and calling her vassals together, she commanded all to do
+homage to him, and took him for her husband in presence of them
+all.
+
+Thus Sir Owain won the Lady of the Fountain.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VII
+
+SIR PEREDUR
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SIR PEREDUR
+
+
+At one time there was in the North of Britain a great Earl named
+Evrawc. A stout knight he was, and few were the tournaments at
+which he was not to be found in company with six of his sons; the
+seventh only, who was too young to bear arms, remaining at home
+with his mother. But at the last, after he had won the prize at
+many a tourney, Earl Evrawc was slain, and his six sons with him;
+and then the Countess fled with Peredur, her youngest, to a lonely
+spot in the midst of a forest, far from the dwellings of men; for
+she was minded to bring him up where he might never hear of jousts
+and feats of arms, that so at least one son might be left to her.
+
+So Peredur was reared amongst women and decrepit old men, and even
+these were strictly commanded never to tell the boy aught of the
+great world beyond the forest, or what men did therein. None the
+less, he grew up active and fearless, as nimble and sure-footed as
+the goats, and patient of much toil.
+
+Then, one day, when Peredur was grown a tall, strong youth, there
+chanced what had never chanced before; for there came riding
+through the forest, hard by where Peredur dwelt with his mother, a
+knight in full armour, none other, indeed, than the good knight,
+Sir Owain himself. And seeing him, Peredur cried out: "Mother, what
+is that, yonder?" "An angel, my son," said his mother. "Then will I
+go and become an angel with him," said Peredur; and before any one
+could stay him, he was gone.
+
+When Sir Owain saw him approaching, he reined in his horse, and
+after courteous salutation, said: "I pray thee, fair youth, tell
+me, hast thou seen a knight pass this way?" "I know not what a
+knight may be," answered Peredur. "Why, even such an one as I,"
+answered Sir Owain. "If ye will tell me what I ask you, I will tell
+you what ye ask me," said Peredur; and when Owain, laughing,
+consented, Peredur touched the saddle, demanding, "What is this?"
+"Surely, a saddle," replied Sir Owain; and, in like manner, Peredur
+asked him of all the parts of his armour, and Owain answered him
+patiently and courteously. Then when he had ended his questions,
+Peredur said: "Ride forward; for yesterday I saw from a distance
+such an one as ye are, ride through the forest."
+
+Sir Peredur returned to his mother, and exclaimed: "Mother, that
+was no angel, but a noble knight"; and hearing his words, his
+mother fell into a swoon. But Peredur hastened to the spot where
+were tethered the horses that brought them firewood and food from
+afar, and from them he chose a bony piebald, which seemed the
+strongest and in the best condition. Then he found a pack and
+fastened it on the horse's back, in some way to resemble a saddle,
+and strove with twigs to imitate the trappings he had seen upon Sir
+Owain's horse. When his preparations were complete, he returned to
+the Countess, who, by then, was recovered from her swoon; and she
+saw that all her trouble had been in vain, and that the time was
+come when she must part with her son. "Thou wilt ride forth, my
+son?" she asked. "Yea, with your leave," he answered. "Hear, then,
+my counsel," said she; "go thy way to Arthur's court, for there are
+the noblest and truest knights. And wheresoever thou seest a
+church, fail not to say thy prayers, and whatsoever woman demands
+thy aid, refuse her not."
+
+So, bidding his mother farewell, Peredur mounted his horse, and
+took in his hand a long, sharp-pointed stake. He journeyed many
+days till, at last, he had come to Caerleon, where Arthur held his
+court, and dismounting at the door, he entered the hall. Even as he
+did so, a stranger knight, who had passed in before him, seized a
+goblet and, dashing the wine in the face of Queen Guenevere, held
+the goblet aloft and cried: "If any dare dispute this goblet with
+me or venture to avenge the insult done to Arthur's Queen, let him
+follow me to the meadow without, where I will await him."
+
+And for sheer amazement at this insolence, none moved save Peredur,
+who cried aloud: "I will seek out this man and do vengeance upon
+him." Then a voice exclaimed: "Welcome, goodly Peredur, thou flower
+of knighthood"; and all turned in surprise to look upon a little
+misshapen dwarf, who, a year before, had craved and obtained
+shelter in Arthur's court, and since then had spoken no word. But
+Kay the Seneschal, in anger that a mere boy, and one so strangely
+equipped as Peredur, should have taken up the Queen's quarrel when
+proven knights had remained mute, struck the dwarf, crying: "Thou
+art ill-bred to remain mute a year in Arthur's court, and then to
+break silence in praise of such a fellow." Then Peredur, who saw
+the blow, cried, as he left the hall: "Knight, hereafter ye shall
+answer to me for that blow." Therewith, he mounted his piebald and
+rode in haste to the meadow. And when the knight espied him, he
+cried to him: "Tell me, youth, saw'st thou any coming after me from
+the court?" "I am come myself," said Peredur. "Hold thy peace,"
+answered the knight angrily, "and go back to the court and say
+that, unless one comes in haste, I will not tarry, but will ride
+away, holding them all shamed." "By my faith," said Peredur,
+"willingly or unwillingly, thou shalt answer to me for thine
+insolence; and I will have the goblet of thee, ay, and thy horse
+and armour to boot." With that, in a rage, the knight struck
+Peredur a violent blow between the neck and the shoulder with the
+butt-end of his lance. "So!" cried Peredur, "not thus did my
+mother's servants play with me; and thus will I play with thee";
+and drove at him with his pointed stake that it entered the eye of
+the knight, who forthwith fell dead from his horse. Then Peredur
+dismounted and began wrenching at the fastenings of the dead man's
+armour, for he saw in the adventure the means of equipping himself
+as a knight should ride; but knowing not the trick of the
+fastenings, his efforts were in vain. While he yet struggled, there
+rode up Sir Owain who had followed in hot haste from the court; and
+when he saw the fallen knight, he was amazed that a mere lad,
+unarmed and unskilled in knightly exercises, should thus have
+prevailed. "Fair youth," said he, "what would ye?" "I would have
+this knight's iron coat, but I cannot stir it for all my efforts."
+"Nay, young Sir," said Sir Owain, "leave the dead his arms, and
+take mine and my horse, which I give you right gladly; and come
+with me to the King to receive the order of knighthood, for, by my
+faith, ye have shown yourself worthy of it." "I thank you, noble
+Sir," answered Peredur, "and gladly I accept your gift; but I will
+not go with you now. Rather will I seek other adventures and prove
+me further first; nor will I seek the King's presence until I have
+encountered with the tall knight that so misused the dwarf, and
+have called him to account. Only, I pray you, take this goblet to
+Queen Guenevere, and say to my lord, King Arthur, that, in all
+places and at all times, I am his true vassal, and will render him
+such service as I may." Then, with Sir Owain's help, Peredur put on
+the armour, and mounting his horse, after due salutation, rode on
+his way.
+
+So, for many days, Peredur followed his adventures, and many a
+knight he met and overthrew. To all he yielded grace, requiring
+only that they should ride to Caerleon, there to give themselves up
+to the King's pleasure, and say that Peredur had sent them. At last
+he came to a fair castle that rose from the shores of a lake, and
+there he was welcomed by a venerable old man who pressed him to
+make some stay. So, as they sat at supper, the old man asked
+Peredur many questions of himself and his adventure, gazing
+earnestly on him the while; and, at last, he said: "I know thee who
+thou art. Thou art my sister's son. Stay now with me, and I will
+teach thee the arts and courtesy and noble bearing of a gentle
+knight, and give thee the degree when thou art accomplished in all
+that becomes an honourable knight." Thereto Peredur assented
+gladly, and remained with his uncle until he had come to a perfect
+knowledge of chivalry; after that, he received the order of
+knighthood at the old man's hands, and rode forth again to seek
+adventures. Presently he came to the city of Caerleon, but though
+Arthur was there with all his court, Sir Peredur chose to make
+himself known to none; for he had not yet avenged the dwarf on Sir
+Kay. Now it chanced, as he walked through the city, he saw at her
+casement a beautiful maiden whose name was Angharad; and at once he
+knew that he had seen the damsel whom he must love his life long.
+So he sought to be acquainted with her, but she scorned him,
+thinking him but some unproved knight, since he consorted not with
+those of Arthur's court; and, at last, finding he might in no wise
+win her favour at that time, he made a vow that never would he
+speak to Christian man or woman until he had gained her love, and
+forthwith rode away again. After long journeyings, he came one
+night to a castle, and, knocking, gained admittance and courteous
+reception from the lady who owned it. But it seemed to Sir Peredur
+that there hung over all a gloom, none caring to talk or make
+merry, though there was no lack of the consideration due to a
+guest. Then when the evening hour was come, they took their places
+at the board, Peredur being set at the Countess' right hand; and
+two nuns entered and placed before the lady a flagon of wine and
+six white loaves, and that was all the fare. Then the Countess gave
+largely of the food to Sir Peredur, keeping little for herself and
+her attendants; but this pleased not the knight, who, heedless of
+his oath, said: "Lady, permit me to fare as do the others," and he
+took but a small portion of that which she had given him. Then the
+Countess, blushing as with shame, said to him: "Sir Knight, if we
+make you poor cheer, far otherwise is our desire, but we are in
+sore straits." "Madam," answered Peredur courteously, "for your
+welcome I thank you heartily; and, I pray you, if there is aught in
+which a knight may serve you, tell me your trouble." Then the
+Countess told him how she had been her father's one child, and heir
+to his broad lands; and how a neighbouring baron had sought her
+hand; but she, misliking him, had refused his suit, so that his
+wrath was great. Then, when her father died, he had made war upon
+her, overrunning all her lands till nothing was left to her but the
+one castle. Long since, all the provision stored therein was
+consumed, and she must have yielded her to the oppressor but for
+the charity of the nuns of a neighbouring monastery, who had
+secretly supplied her with food when, for fear, her vassals had
+forsaken her. But that day the nuns had told her that no longer
+could they aid her, and there was naught left save to submit to the
+invader. This was the story that, with many tears, the Countess
+related to Peredur. "Lady," said he, "with your permission, I will
+take upon me your quarrel, and to-morrow I will seek to encounter
+this felon." The Countess thanked him heartily and they retired to
+rest for that night.
+
+In the morning betimes, Sir Peredur arose, donned his armour and,
+seeking the Countess, desired that the portcullis might be raised,
+for he would sally forth to seek her oppressor. So he rode out from
+the castle and saw in the morning light a plain covered with the
+tents of a great host. With him he took a herald to proclaim that
+he was ready to meet any in fair fight, in the Countess' quarrel.
+Forthwith, in answer to his challenge, there rode forward the baron
+himself, a proud and stately knight mounted on a great black
+horse. The two rushed together, and, at the first encounter, Sir
+Peredur unhorsed his opponent, bearing him over the crupper with
+such force that he lay stunned, as one dead. Then, Peredur, drawing
+his sword, dismounted and stood over the fallen knight, who, when
+he was recovered a little, asked his mercy. "Gladly will I grant
+it," answered Peredur, "but on these conditions. Ye shall disband
+this host, restore to the Countess threefold all of which ye have
+deprived her, and, finally, ye shall submit yourself unto her as
+her vassal." All this the baron promised to do, and Peredur
+remained with the Countess in her castle until she was firmly
+established in that which was rightfully hers. Then he bade her
+farewell, promising his aid if ever she should need his services,
+and so rode forth again.
+
+And as he rode, at times he was troubled, thinking on the scorn
+with which the fair Angharad had treated him, and reproaching
+himself bitterly for having broken his vow of silence. So he
+journeyed many days, and at length, one morn, dismounting by a
+little woodland stream, he stood lost in thought, heedless of his
+surroundings. Now, as it chanced, Arthur and a company of his
+knights were encamped hard by; for, returning from an expedition,
+the King had been told of Peredur and how he had taken upon him the
+Queen's quarrel, and forthwith had ridden out in search of him.
+When the King espied Sir Peredur standing near the brook, he said
+to the knights about him: "Know ye yonder knight?" "I know him
+not," said Sir Kay, "but I will soon learn his name." So he rode
+up to Sir Peredur and spoke to him, demanding his name. When
+Peredur answered not, though questioned more than once, Sir Kay in
+anger, struck him with the butt-end of his spear. On the instant,
+Sir Peredur caught him with his lance under the jaw, and, though
+himself unmounted, hurled Kay from the saddle. Then when Kay
+returned not, Sir Owain mounted his horse and rode forth to learn
+what had happened, and by the brook he found Sir Kay sore hurt, and
+Peredur ready mounted to encounter any who sought a quarrel. But at
+once Sir Owain recognised Sir Peredur and rejoiced to see him; and
+when he found Sir Peredur would speak no word, being himself an
+honourable knight, he thought no evil, but urged him to ride back
+with him to Arthur's camp. And Sir Peredur, still speaking never a
+word, went with Sir Owain, and all respected his silence save Kay,
+who was long healing of the injuries he had received, and whose
+angry words none heeded. So they returned to Caerleon and soon,
+through the city, were noised the noble deeds of Sir Peredur, each
+new-comer bringing some fresh story of his prowess. Then when
+Angharad learnt how true and famous was the knight whom she had
+lightly esteemed, she was sore ashamed; and seeing him ever
+foremost in the tournament and courteous to all in deed, though
+speaking not a word; she thought that never had there been so noble
+a knight, or one so worthy of a lady's love. Thus in the winning of
+her favour, Sir Peredur was released from his vow, and his marriage
+was celebrated with much pomp before the King and Queen. Long and
+happily he lived, famed through all Britain as one of the most
+valiant and faithful knights of King Arthur's Round Table.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII
+
+THE HOLY GRAIL
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE COMING OF SIR GALAHAD
+
+
+Many times had the Feast of Pentecost come round, and many were the
+knights that Arthur had made since first he founded the Order of
+the Round Table; yet no knight had appeared who dared claim the
+seat named by Merlin the Siege Perilous. At last, one vigil of the
+great feast, a lady came to Arthur's court at Camelot and asked Sir
+Launcelot to ride with her into the forest hard by, for a purpose
+not then to be revealed. Launcelot consenting, they rode together
+until they came to a nunnery hidden deep in the forest; and there
+the lady bade Launcelot dismount, and led him into a great and
+stately room. Presently there entered twelve nuns and with them a
+youth, the fairest that Launcelot had ever seen. "Sir," said the
+nuns, "we have brought up this child in our midst, and now that he
+is grown to manhood, we pray you make him knight, for of none
+worthier could he receive the honour." "Is this thy own desire?"
+asked Launcelot of the young squire; and when he said that so it
+was, Launcelot promised to make him knight after the great festival
+had been celebrated in the church next day.
+
+So on the morrow, after they had worshipped, Launcelot knighted
+Galahad--for that was the youth's name--and asked him if he would
+ride at once with him to the King's court; but the young knight
+excusing himself, Sir Launcelot rode back alone to Camelot, where
+all rejoiced that he was returned in time to keep the feast with
+the whole Order of the Round Table.
+
+Now, according to his custom, King Arthur was waiting for some
+marvel to befall before he and his knights sat down to the banquet.
+Presently a squire entered the hall and said: "Sir King, a great
+wonder has appeared. There floats on the river a mighty stone, as
+it were a block of red marble, and it is thrust through by a sword,
+the hilt of which is set thick with precious stones." On hearing
+this, the King and all his knights went forth to view the stone
+and found it as the squire had said; moreover, looking closer, they
+read these words: "None shall draw me hence, but only he by whose
+side I must hang; and he shall be the best knight in all the
+world." Immediately, all bade Launcelot draw forth the sword, but
+he refused, saying that the sword was not for him. Then, at the
+King's command, Sir Gawain made the attempt and failed, as did Sir
+Percivale after him. So the knights knew the adventure was not for
+them, and returning to the hall, took their places about the Round
+Table.
+
+No sooner were they seated than an aged man, clothed all in white,
+entered the hall, followed by a young knight in red armour, by
+whose side hung an empty scabbard. The old man approached King
+Arthur and bowing low before him, said: "Sir, I bring you a young
+knight of the house and lineage of Joseph of Arimathea, and through
+him shall great glory be won for all the land of Britain." Greatly
+did King Arthur rejoice to hear this, and welcomed the two right
+royally. Then when the young knight had saluted the King, the old
+man led him to the Siege Perilous and drew off its silken cover;
+and all the knights were amazed, for they saw that where had been
+engraved the words, "The Siege Perilous," was written now in
+shining gold: "This is the Siege of the noble prince, Sir Galahad."
+Straightway the young man seated himself there where none other had
+ever sat without danger to his life; and all who saw it said, one
+to another: "Surely this is he that shall achieve the Holy Grail."
+Now the Holy Grail was the blessed dish from which Our Lord had
+eaten the Last Supper, and it had been brought to the land of
+Britain by Joseph of Arimathea; but because of men's sinfulness, it
+had been withdrawn from human sight, only that, from time to time,
+it appeared to the pure in heart.
+
+When all had partaken of the royal banquet, King Arthur bade Sir
+Galahad come with him to the river's brink; and showing him the
+floating stone with the sword thrust through it, told him how his
+knights had failed to draw forth the sword. "Sir," said Galahad,
+"it is no marvel that they failed, for the adventure was meant for
+me, as my empty scabbard shows." So saying, lightly he drew the
+sword from the heart of the stone, and lightly he slid it into the
+scabbard at his side. While all yet wondered at this adventure of
+the sword, there came riding to them a lady on a white palfrey who,
+saluting King Arthur, said: "Sir King, Nacien the hermit sends thee
+word that this day shall great honour be shown to thee and all
+thine house; for the Holy Grail shall appear in thy hall, and thou
+and all thy fellowship shall be fed therefrom." And to Launcelot
+she said: "Sir Knight, thou hast ever been the best knight of all
+the world; but another has come to whom thou must yield
+precedence." Then Launcelot answered humbly: "I know well I was
+never the best." "Ay, of a truth thou wast and art still, of sinful
+men," said she, and rode away before any could question her
+further.
+
+So, that evening, when all were gathered about the Round Table,
+each knight in his own siege, suddenly there was heard a crash of
+thunder, so mighty that the hall trembled, and there flashed into
+the hall a sun-beam, brighter far than any that had ever before
+been seen; and then, draped all in white samite, there glided
+through the air what none might see, yet what all knew to be the
+Holy Grail. And all the air was filled with sweet odours, and on
+every one was shed a light in which he looked fairer and nobler
+than ever before. So they sat in an amazed silence, till presently
+King Arthur rose and gave thanks to God for the grace given to him
+and to his court. Then up sprang Sir Gawain and made his avow to
+follow for a year and a day the Quest of the Holy Grail, if
+perchance he might be granted the vision of it. Immediately other
+of the knights followed his example, binding themselves to the
+Quest of the Holy Grail until, in all, one hundred and fifty had
+vowed themselves to the adventure.
+
+Then was King Arthur grieved, for he foresaw the ruin of his noble
+Order. And turning to Sir Gawain, he said: "Nephew ye have done
+ill, for through you I am bereft of the noblest company of knights
+that ever brought honour to any realm in Christendom. Well I know
+that never again shall all of you gather in this hall, and it
+grieves me to lose men I have loved as my life and through whom I
+have won peace and righteousness for all my realm." So the King
+mourned and his knights with him, but their oaths they could not
+recall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+HOW SIR GALAHAD WON THE RED-CROSS SHIELD
+
+
+Great woe was there in Camelot next day when, after worship in the
+Cathedral, the knights who had vowed themselves to the Quest of the
+Holy Grail got to horse and rode away. A goodly company it was that
+passed through the streets, the townfolk weeping to see them go;
+Sir Launcelot du Lac and his kin, Sir Galahad of whom all expected
+great deeds, Sir Bors and Sir Percivale, and many another scarcely
+less famed than they. So they rode together that day to the Castle
+of Vagon, where they were entertained right hospitably, and the
+next day they separated, each to ride his own way and see what
+adventures should befall him.
+
+So it came to pass that, after four days' ride, Sir Galahad reached
+an abbey. Now Sir Galahad was still clothed in red armour as when
+he came to the King's court, and by his side hung the wondrous
+sword; but he was without a shield. They of the abbey received him
+right heartily, as also did the brave King Bagdemagus, Knight of
+the Round Table, who was resting there. When they had greeted each
+other, Sir Galahad asked King Bagdemagus what adventure had brought
+him there. "Sir," said Bagdemagus, "I was told that in this abbey
+was preserved a wondrous shield which none but the best knight in
+the world might bear without grievous harm to himself. And though I
+know well that there are better knights than I, to-morrow I purpose
+to make the attempt. But, I pray you, bide at this monastery awhile
+until you hear from me; and if I fail, do ye take the adventure
+upon you." "So be it," said Sir Galahad.
+
+The next day, at their request, Sir Galahad and King Bagdemagus
+were led into the church by a monk and shown where, behind the
+altar, hung the wondrous shield, whiter than snow save for the
+blood-red cross in its midst. Then the monk warned them of the
+danger to any who, being unworthy, should dare to bear the shield.
+But King Bagdemagus made answer: "I know well that I am not the
+best knight in the world, yet will I try if I may bear it." So he
+hung it about his neck, and, bidding farewell, rode away with his
+squire.
+
+The two had not journeyed far before they saw a knight approach,
+armed all in white mail and mounted upon a white horse. Immediately
+he laid his spear in rest and, charging King Bagdemagus, pierced
+him through the shoulder and bore him from his horse; and standing
+over the wounded knight, he said: "Knight, thou hast shown great
+folly, for none shall bear this shield save the peerless knight,
+Sir Galahad." Then, taking the shield, he gave it to the squire and
+said: "Bear this shield to the good Knight Galahad and greet him
+well from me." "What is your name?" asked the squire, "That is not
+for thee or any other to know." "One thing, I pray you," said the
+squire; "why may this shield be borne by none but Sir Galahad
+without danger?" "Because it belongs to him only," answered the
+stranger knight, and vanished.
+
+Then the squire took the shield and, setting King Bagdemagus on his
+horse, bore him back to the abbey where he lay long, sick unto
+death. To Galahad the squire gave the shield and told him all that
+had befallen. So Galahad hung the shield about his neck and rode
+the way that Bagdemagus had gone the day before; and presently he
+met the White Knight, whom he greeted courteously, begging that he
+would make known to him the marvels of the red-cross shield. "That
+will I gladly," answered the White Knight. "Ye must know, Sir
+Knight, that this shield was made and given by Joseph of Arimathea
+to the good King Evelake of Sarras, that, in the might of the holy
+symbol, he should overthrow the heathen who threatened his kingdom.
+But afterwards, King Evelake followed Joseph to this land of
+Britain where they taught the true faith unto the people who before
+were heathen. Then when Joseph lay dying, he bade King Evelake set
+the shield in the monastery where ye lay last night, and foretold
+that none should wear it without loss until that day when it should
+be taken by the knight, ninth and last in descent from him, who
+should come to that place the fifteenth day after receiving the
+degree of knighthood. Even so has it been with you, Sir Knight." So
+saying, the unknown knight disappeared and Sir Galahad rode on his
+way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SIR PERCIVALE
+
+
+After he had left his fellows, Sir Percivale rode long through the
+forest until, one evening, he reached a monastery where he sought
+shelter for the night. The next morning, he went into the chapel to
+hear mass and there he espied the body of an old, old man, laid on
+a richly adorned couch. At first it seemed as if the aged man were
+dead, but presently, raising himself in his bed, he took off his
+crown, and, delivering it to the priest, bade him place it on the
+altar. So when the service was concluded, Sir Percivale asked who
+the aged king might be. Then he was told that it was none other
+than King Evelake who accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Britain.
+And on a certain occasion, the King had approached the Holy Grail
+nigher than was reverent and, for his impiety, God had punished him
+with blindness. Thereupon he repented and, entreating God
+earnestly, had obtained his petition that he should not die until
+he had seen the spotless knight who should be descended from him in
+the ninth degree. (This his desire was fulfilled later when Sir
+Galahad came thither; after which, he died and was buried by the
+good knight.)
+
+The next day, Sir Percivale continued his journey and presently met
+with twenty knights who bore on a bier the body of a dead knight.
+When they espied Sir Percivale, they demanded of him who he was and
+whence he came. So he told them, whereupon they all shouted, "Slay
+him! slay him!" and setting upon him all at once, they killed his
+horse and would have slain him but that the good knight, Sir
+Galahad, passing that way by chance, came to his rescue and put his
+assailants to flight. Then Galahad rode away as fast as he might,
+for he would not be thanked, and Sir Percivale was left, horseless
+and alone, in the forest.
+
+So Sir Percivale continued his journey on foot as well as he might;
+and ever the way became lonelier, until at last he came to the
+shores of a vast sea. There Sir Percivale abode many days, without
+food and desolate, doubting whether he should ever escape thence.
+At last it chanced that, looking out to sea, Sir Percivale descried
+a ship and, as it drew nearer, he saw how it was all hung with
+satin and velvet. Presently, it reached the land and out of it
+there stepped a lady of marvellous beauty, who asked him how he
+came there; "For know," said she, "ye are like to die here by
+hunger or mischance." "He whom I serve will protect me," said Sir
+Percivale. "I know well whom ye desire most to see," said the lady.
+"Ye would meet with the Red Knight who bears the red-cross shield."
+"Ah! lady, I pray you tell me where I may find him," cried Sir
+Percivale. "With a good will," said the damsel; "if ye will but
+promise me your service when I shall ask for it, I will lead you to
+the knight, for I met him of late in the forest." So Sir Percivale
+promised gladly to serve her when she should need him. Then the
+lady asked him how long he had fasted. "For three days," answered
+Sir Percivale. Immediately she gave orders to her attendants
+forthwith to pitch a tent and set out a table with all manner of
+delicacies, and of these she invited Sir Percivale to partake. "I
+pray you, fair lady," said Sir Percivale, "who are ye that show me
+such kindness?" "Truly," said the lady, "I am but a hapless damsel,
+driven forth from my inheritance by a great lord whom I have
+chanced to displease. I implore you, Sir Knight, by your vows of
+knighthood, to give me your aid." Sir Percivale promised her all
+the aid he could give, and then she bade him lie down and sleep,
+and herself took off his helmet, and unclasped his sword-belt. So
+Sir Percivale slept, and when he waked, there was another feast
+prepared, and he was given the rarest and the strongest wines that
+ever he had tasted. Thus they made merry and, when the lady begged
+Percivale to rest him there awhile, promising him all that ever he
+could desire if he would vow himself to her service, almost he
+forgot the quest to which he was vowed, and would have consented,
+but that his eye fell upon his sword where it lay. Now in the
+sword-hilt there was set a red cross and, seeing it, Percivale
+called to mind his vow, and, thinking on it, he signed him with the
+cross on his forehead. Instantly, the tent was overthrown and
+vanished in thick smoke; and she who had appeared a lovely woman
+disappeared from his sight in semblance of a fiend.
+
+Then was Sir Percivale sore ashamed that almost he had yielded to
+the temptings of the Evil One, and earnestly, he prayed that his
+sin might be forgiven him. Thus he remained in prayer far into the
+night, bewailing his weakness; and when the dawn appeared, a ship
+drew nigh the land. Sir Percivale entered into it, but could find
+no one there; so commending himself to God, he determined to remain
+thereon, and was borne over the seas for many days, he knew not
+whither.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SIR BORS
+
+
+Among the knights vowed to the Quest of the Holy Grail was Sir
+Bors, one of the kin of Sir Launcelot, a brave knight and pious. He
+rode through the forest many a day, making his lodging most often
+under a leafy tree, though once on his journey he stayed at a
+castle, that he might do battle for its lady against a felon knight
+who would have robbed and oppressed her.
+
+So, on a day, as he rode through the forest, Sir Bors came to the
+parting of two ways. While he was considering which he should
+follow, he espied two knights driving before them a horse on which
+was stretched, bound and naked, none other than Sir Bors' own
+brother, Sir Lionel; and, from time to time, the two false knights
+beat him with thorns so that his body was all smeared with blood,
+but, so great was his heart, Sir Lionel uttered never a word. Then,
+in great wrath, Sir Bors laid his lance in rest and would have
+fought the felon knights to rescue his brother, but that, even as
+he spurred his horse, there came a bitter cry from the other path
+and, looking round, he saw a lady being dragged by a knight into
+the darkest part of the forest where none might find and rescue
+her. When she saw Sir Bors, she cried to him: "Help me! Sir Knight,
+help me! I beseech you by your knighthood." Then Sir Bors was much
+troubled, for he would not desert his brother; but bethinking him
+that ever a woman must be more helpless than a man, he wheeled his
+horse, rode upon her captor and beat him to the earth. The damsel
+thanked him earnestly and told him how the knight was her own
+cousin, who had that day carried her off by craft from her father's
+castle. As they talked, there came up twelve knights who had been
+seeking the lady everywhere; so to their care Sir Bors delivered
+her, and rode with haste in the direction whither his brother had
+been borne. On the way, he met with an old man, dressed as a
+priest, who asked him what he sought. When Sir Bors had told him,
+"Ah! Bors," said he, "I can give you tidings indeed. Your brother
+is dead"; and parting the bushes, he showed him the body of a dead
+man, to all seeming Sir Lionel's self. Then Sir Bors grieved
+sorely, misdoubting almost whether he should not have rescued his
+own brother rather than the lady; and at the last, he dug a grave
+and buried the dead man; after which he rode sorrowfully on his
+way.
+
+When he had ridden many days, he met with a yeoman whom he asked if
+there were any adventures in those parts. "Sir," said the man, "at
+the castle; hard by, they hold a great tournament." Sir Bors
+thanked him and rode along the way pointed out to him; and
+presently, as he passed a hermitage, whom should he see sitting at
+its door but his brother, Sir Lionel, whom he had believed dead.
+Then in great joy, he leaped from his horse, and running to Lionel,
+cried: "Fair brother, how came ye hither?" "Through no aid of
+yours," said Sir Lionel angrily; "for ye left me bound and beaten,
+to ride to the rescue of a maiden. Never was brother so dealt with
+by brother before. Keep you from me as ye may!" When Sir Bors
+understood that his brother would slay him, he knelt before him
+entreating his pardon. Sir Lionel took no heed, but mounting his
+horse and taking his lance, cried: "Keep you from me, traitor!
+Fight, or die!" And Sir Bors moved not; for to him it seemed a sin
+most horrible that brother should fight with brother. Then Sir
+Lionel, in his rage, rode his horse at him, bore him to the ground
+and trampled him under the horse's hoofs, till Bors lay beaten to
+the earth in a swoon. Even so, Sir Lionel's anger was not stayed;
+for, alighting, he drew his sword and would have smitten off his
+brother's head, but that the holy hermit, hearing the noise of
+conflict, ran out of the hermitage and threw himself upon Sir Bors.
+"Gentle knight," he cried, "have mercy upon him and on thyself; for
+of the sin of slaying thy brother, thou couldst never be quit."
+"Sir Priest," said Lionel, "if ye leave him not, I shall slay you
+too." "It were a lesser sin than to slay thy brother," answered the
+hermit. "So be it," cried Lionel, and with one blow, struck off the
+hermit's head. Then he would have worked his evil will upon his
+brother too, but that, even as he was unlacing Sir Bors' helm to
+cut off his head, there rode up the good knight Sir Colgrevance, a
+fellow of the Round Table. When he saw the dead hermit and was
+aware how Lionel sought the life of Bors, he was amazed, and
+springing from his horse, ran to Lionel and dragged him back from
+his brother. "Do ye think to hinder me?" said Sir Lionel. "Let
+come who will, I will have his life." "Ye shall have to do with me
+first," cried Colgrevance. Therewith, they took their swords, and,
+setting their shields before them, rushed upon each other. Now Sir
+Colgrevance was a good knight, but Sir Lionel was strong and his
+anger added to his strength. So long they fought that Sir Bors had
+time to recover from his swoon, and raising himself with pain on
+his elbow, saw how the two fought for his life; and as it seemed,
+Sir Lionel would prevail, for Sir Colgrevance grew weak and weary.
+Sir Bors tried to get to his feet, but, so weak he was, he could
+not stand; and Sir Colgrevance, seeing him stir, called on him to
+come to his aid, for he was in mortal peril for his sake. But even
+as he called, Sir Lionel cut him to the ground and, as one
+possessed, rushed upon his brother to slay him. Sir Bors entreated
+him for mercy, and when he would not, sorrowfully he took his
+sword, saying: "Now, God forgive me, though I defend my life
+against my brother."
+
+Immediately there was heard a voice saying, "Flee, Bors, and touch
+not thy brother"; and at the same time, a fiery cloud burned
+between them, so that their shields glowed with the flame, and both
+knights fell to the earth. But the voice came again, saying, "Bors,
+leave thy brother and take thy way to the sea. There thou shalt
+meet Sir Percivale." Then Sir Bors made ready to obey, and, turning
+to Lionel, said: "Dear brother, I pray you forgive me for aught in
+which I have wronged you." "I forgive you," said Lionel, for he was
+too amazed and terrified to keep his anger.
+
+So Sir Bors continued his journey, and at the last, coming to the
+sea shore, he espied a ship, draped all with white samite, and
+entering thereon, he saw Sir Percivale, and much they rejoiced them
+in each other's company.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF SIR LAUNCELOT
+
+
+After Sir Launcelot had parted from his fellows at the Castle of
+Vagon, he rode many days through the forest without adventure, till
+he chanced upon a knight close by a little hermitage in the wood.
+Immediately, as was the wont of errant knights, they prepared to
+joust, and Launcelot, whom none before had overthrown, was borne
+down, man and horse, by the stranger knight. Thereupon a nun, who
+dwelt in the hermitage, cried: "God be with thee, best knight in
+all this world," for she knew the victor for Sir Galahad. But
+Galahad, not wishing to be known, rode swiftly away; and presently
+Sir Launcelot got to horse again and rode slowly on his way, shamed
+and doubting sorely in his heart whether this quest were meant for
+him.
+
+When night fell, he came to a great stone cross which stood at the
+parting of the way and close by a little ruined chapel. So Sir
+Launcelot, being minded to pass the night there, alighted, fastened
+his horse to a tree and hung his shield on a bough. Then he drew
+near to the little chapel, and wondered to see how, all ruinous
+though it was, yet within was an altar hung with silk and a great
+silver candlestick on it; but when he sought entrance, he could
+find none and, much troubled in his mind, he returned to his horse
+where he had left it, and unlacing his helm and ungirding his
+sword, laid him down to rest.
+
+Then it seemed to Sir Launcelot that, as he lay between sleeping
+and waking, there passed him two white palfreys bearing a litter
+wherein was a sick knight, who cried: "Sweet Lord, when shall I be
+pardoned all my transgressions, and when shall the holy vessel come
+to me, to cure me of my sickness?" And instantly it seemed that the
+great candlestick came forth of itself from the chapel, floating
+through the air before a table of silver on which was the Holy
+Grail. Thereupon the sick knight raised himself, and on his bended
+knees he approached so nigh that he kissed the holy vessel; and
+immediately he cried: "I thank Thee, sweet Lord, that I am healed
+of my sickness." And all the while Sir Launcelot, who saw this
+wonder, felt himself held that he could not move. Then a squire
+brought the stranger knight his weapons, in much joy that his lord
+was cured. "Who think ye that this knight may be who remains
+sleeping when the holy vessel is so near?" said the knight. "In
+truth," said the squire, "he must be one that is held by the bond
+of some great sin. I will take his helm and his sword, for here
+have I brought you all your armour save only these two." So the
+knight armed him from head to foot, and taking Sir Launcelot's
+horse, rode away with his squire. On the instant, Sir Launcelot
+awoke amazed, not knowing whether he had dreamed or not; but while
+he wondered, there came a terrible voice, saying: "Launcelot, arise
+and leave this holy place." In shame, Sir Launcelot turned to obey,
+only to find horse and sword and shield alike vanished. Then,
+indeed, he knew himself dishonoured. Weeping bitterly, he made the
+best of his way on foot, until he came to a cell where a hermit was
+saying prayer. Sir Launcelot knelt too, and, when all was ended,
+called to the hermit, entreating him for counsel. "With good will,"
+said the hermit. So Sir Launcelot made himself known and told the
+hermit all, lamenting how his good fortune was turned to
+wretchedness and his glory to shame; and truly, the hermit was
+amazed that Sir Launcelot should be in such case. "Sir," said he,
+"God has given you manhood and strength beyond all other knights;
+the more are ye bounden to his service." "I have sinned," said Sir
+Launcelot; "for in all these years of my knighthood, I have done
+everything for the honour and glory of my lady and naught for my
+Maker; and little thank have I given to God for all his benefits to
+me." Then the holy man gave Sir Launcelot good counsel and made him
+rest there that night; and the next day he gave him a horse, a
+sword and a helmet, and bade him go forth and bear himself knightly
+as the servant of God.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+HOW SIR LAUNCELOT SAW THE HOLY GRAIL
+
+
+For many days after he had left the hermitage, Sir Launcelot rode
+through the forest, but there came to him no such adventures as had
+befallen him on other quests to the increase of his fame. At last,
+one night-tide, he came to the shores of a great water and there he
+lay down to sleep; but as he slept, a voice called on him:
+"Launcelot, arise, put on thine armour and go on thy way until thou
+comest to a ship. Into that thou shalt enter." Immediately, Sir
+Launcelot started from his sleep to obey and, riding along the
+shore, came presently to a ship beached on the strand; no sooner
+had he entered it, than the ship was launched--how, he might not
+know. So the ship sailed before the wind for many a day. No mortal
+was on it, save only Sir Launcelot, yet were all his needs
+supplied. Then, at last, the ship ran ashore at the foot of a great
+castle; and it was midnight. Sir Launcelot waited not for the dawn,
+but, his sword gripped in his hand, sprang ashore, and then, right
+before him, he saw a postern where the gate stood open indeed, but
+two grisly lions kept the way. And when Sir Launcelot would have
+rushed upon the great beasts with his sword, it was struck from his
+hand, and a voice said: "Ah! Launcelot, ever is thy trust in thy
+might rather than thy Maker!" Sore ashamed, Sir Launcelot took his
+sword and thrust it back into the sheath, and going forward, he
+passed unhurt through the gateway, the lions that kept it falling
+back from his path. So without more adventure, Launcelot entered
+into the castle; and there he saw how every door stood open, save
+only one, and that was fast barred, nor, with all his force, might
+he open it. Presently from the chamber within came the sound of a
+sweet voice in a holy chant, and then in his heart Launcelot knew
+that he was come to the Holy Grail. So, kneeling humbly, he prayed
+that to him might be shown some vision of that he sought. Forthwith
+the door flew open and from the chamber blazed a light such as he
+had never known before; but when he made to enter, a voice cried:
+"Launcelot, forbear," and sorrowfully he withdrew. Then where he
+knelt, far even from the threshold of the wondrous room, he saw a
+silver table and, on it, covered with red samite, the Holy Grail.
+At sight of that which he had sought so long, his joy became so
+great that, unmindful of the warning, he advanced into the room and
+drew nigh even to the Table itself. Then on the instant there burst
+between him and it a blaze of light, and he fell to the ground.
+There he lay, nor might he move nor utter any sound; only he was
+aware of hands busy about him which bore him away from the chamber.
+
+For four-and-twenty days, Sir Launcelot lay as in a trance. At the
+end of that time, he came to himself, and found those about him
+that had tended him in his swoon. These, when they had given him
+fresh raiment, brought him to the aged King--Pelles was his
+name--that owned that castle. The King entertained him right
+royally, for he knew of the fame of Sir Launcelot; and long he
+talked with him of his quest and of the other knights who followed
+it, for he was of a great age and knew much of men. At the end of
+four days, he spoke to Sir Launcelot, bidding him return to
+Arthur's court; "For," said he, "your quest is ended here, and all
+that ye shall see of the Holy Grail, ye have seen." So Launcelot
+rode on his way, grieving for the sin that hindered him from the
+perfect vision of the Holy Grail, but thanking God for that which
+he had seen. So in time he came to Camelot, and told to Arthur all
+that had befallen him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE END OF THE QUEST
+
+
+After he had rescued Sir Percivale from the twenty knights who
+beset him, Sir Galahad rode on his way till night-fall, when he
+sought shelter at a little hermitage. Thither there came in the
+night a damsel who desired to speak with Sir Galahad; so he arose
+and went to her, "Galahad," said she, "arm you and mount your horse
+and follow me, for I am come to guide you in your quest." So they
+rode together until they had come to the sea-shore, and there the
+damsel showed Galahad a great ship into which he must enter. Then
+she bade him farewell, and he, going on to the ship, found there
+already the good knights Sir Bors and Sir Percivale, who made much
+joy of the meeting. They abode in that ship until they had come to
+the castle of King Pelles, who welcomed them right gladly. Then, as
+they all sat at supper that night, suddenly the hall was filled
+with a great light, and the holy vessel appeared in their midst,
+covered all in white samite. While they all rejoiced, there came a
+voice saying: "My Knights whom I have chosen, ye have seen the
+holy vessel dimly. Continue your journey to the city of Sarras and
+there the perfect Vision shall be yours."
+
+Now in the city of Sarras had dwelt long time Joseph of Arimathea,
+teaching its people the true faith, before ever he came into the
+land of Britain; but when Sir Galahad and his fellows came there
+after long voyage, they found it ruled by a heathen king named
+Estorause, who cast them into a deep dungeon. There they were kept
+a year, but at the end of that time, the tyrant died. Then the
+great men of the land gathered together to consider who should be
+their king; and, while they were in council, came a voice bidding
+them take as their king the youngest of the three knights whom
+Estorause had thrown into prison. So in fear and wonder they
+hastened to the prison, and releasing the three knights, made
+Galahad king as the voice had bidden them.
+
+Thus Sir Galahad became King of the famous city of Sarras, in far
+Babylon. He had reigned a year when, one morning early, he and the
+other two knights, his fellows, went into the chapel, and there
+they saw, kneeling in prayer, an aged man, robed as a bishop, and
+round him hovered many angels. The knights fell on their knees in
+awe and reverence, whereupon he that seemed a bishop turned to them
+and said: "I am Joseph of Arimathea, and I am come to show you the
+perfect Vision of the Holy Grail." On the instant there appeared
+before them, without veil or cover, the holy vessel, in a radiance
+of light such as almost blinded them. Sir Bors and Sir Percivale,
+when at length they were recovered from the brightness of that
+glory, looked up to find that the holy Joseph and the wondrous
+vessel had passed from their sight. Then they went to Sir Galahad
+where he still knelt as in prayer, and behold, he was dead; for it
+had been with him even as he had prayed; in the moment when he had
+seen the vision, his soul had gone back to God.
+
+So the two knights buried him in that far city, themselves mourning
+and all the people with them. And immediately after, Sir Percivale
+put off his arms and took the habit of a monk, living a devout and
+holy life until, a year and two months later, he also died and was
+buried near Sir Galahad. Then Sir Bors armed him, and bidding
+farewell to the city, sailed away until, after many weeks, he came
+again to the land of Britain. There he took horse, and stayed not
+till he had come to Camelot. Great was the rejoicing of Arthur and
+all his knights when Sir Bors was once more among them. When he had
+told all the adventures which had befallen him and the good
+knights, his companions, all who heard were filled with amaze. But
+the King, he caused the wisest clerks in the land to write in great
+hooks this Quest of the Holy Grail, that the fame of it should
+endure unto all time.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IX
+
+THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
+
+
+At last, the Quest of the Holy Grail was ended, and by ones and
+twos the knights came back to Camelot, though many who had set out
+so boldly were never seen again about the Round Table.
+
+Great was the joy of King Arthur when Sir Launcelot and Sir Bors
+returned, for, so long had they been away, that almost he had
+feared that they had perished. In their honour there was high
+festival for many days in London, where Arthur then had his court;
+and the King made proclamation of a great tournament that he would
+hold at Camelot, when he and the King of Northgalis would keep the
+lists against all comers.
+
+So, one fair morning of spring, King Arthur made ready to ride to
+Camelot and all his knights with him, save Launcelot, who excused
+himself, saying that an old wound hindered him from riding. But
+when the King, sore vexed, had departed, the Queen rebuked Sir
+Launcelot, and bade him go and prove his great prowess as of old.
+"Madam," said Sir Launcelot, "in this, as in all else, I obey you;
+at your bidding I go, but know that in this tournament I shall
+adventure me in other wise than ever before."
+
+The next day, at dawn, Sir Launcelot mounted his horse, and, riding
+forth unattended, journeyed all that day till, as evening fell, he
+reached the little town of Astolat, and there, at the castle,
+sought lodgement for that night. The old Lord of Astolat was glad
+at his coming, judging him at once to be a noble knight, though he
+knew him not, for it was Sir Launcelot's will to remain unknown.
+
+So they went to supper, Sir Launcelot and the old lord, his son,
+Sir Lavaine, and his daughter Elaine, whom they of the place called
+the Fair Maid of Astolat. As they sat at meat, the Baron asked Sir
+Launcelot if he rode to the tournament. "Yea," answered Launcelot;
+"and right glad should I be if, of your courtesy, ye would lend me
+a shield without device." "Right willingly," said his host; "ye
+shall have my son, Sir Tirre's shield. He was but lately made
+knight and was hurt in his first encounter, so his shield is bare
+enough. If ye will take with you my young son, Sir Lavaine, he will
+be glad to ride in the company of so noble a knight and will do you
+such service as he may." "I shall be glad indeed of his
+fellowship," answered Sir Launcelot courteously.
+
+Now it seemed to the fair Elaine that never had she beheld so noble
+a knight as this stranger; and seeing that he was as gentle and
+courteous as he was strong, she said to him: "Fair Knight, will ye
+wear my favour at this tournament? For never have I found knight
+yet to wear my crimson sleeve, and sure am I that none other could
+ever win it such honour." "Maiden," said Sir Launcelot, "right
+gladly would I serve you in aught; but it has never been my custom
+to wear lady's favour." "Then shall it serve the better for
+disguise," answered Elaine. Sir Launcelot pondered her words, and
+at last he said: "Fair maiden, I will do for you what I have done
+for none, and will wear your favour." So with great glee, she
+brought it him, a crimson velvet sleeve embroidered with great
+pearls, and fastened it in his helmet. Then Sir Launcelot begged
+her to keep for him his own shield until after the tournament, when
+he would come for it again and tell them his name.
+
+The next morn, Sir Launcelot took his departure with Sir Lavaine
+and, by evening, they were come to Camelot. Forthwith Sir Lavaine
+led Sir Launcelot to the house of a worthy burgher, where he might
+stay in privacy, undiscovered by those of his acquaintance. Then,
+when at dawn the trumpets blew, they mounted their horses and rode
+to a little wood hard by the lists, and there they abode some
+while; for Sir Launcelot would take no part until he had seen which
+side was the stronger. So they saw how King Arthur sat high on a
+throne to overlook the combat, while the King of Northgalis and all
+the fellowship of the Round Table held the lists against their
+opponents led by King Anguish of Ireland and the King of Scots.
+
+Then it soon appeared that the two Kings with all their company
+could do but little against the Knights of the Round Table, and
+were sore pressed to maintain their ground. Seeing this, Sir
+Launcelot said to Sir Lavaine: "Sir Knight, will ye give me your
+aid if I go to the rescue of the weaker side? For it seems to me
+they may not much longer hold their own unaided." "Sir," answered
+Lavaine, "I will gladly follow you and do what I may." So the two
+laid their lances in rest and charged into the thickest of the
+fight and, with one spear, Sir Launcelot bore four knights from the
+saddle. Lavaine, too, did nobly, for he unhorsed the bold Sir
+Bedivere and Sir Lucan the Butler. Then with their swords they
+smote lustily on the left hand and on the right, and those whom
+they had come to aid rallying to them, they drove the Knights of
+the Round Table back a space. So the fight raged furiously,
+Launcelot ever being in the thickest of the press and performing
+such deeds of valour that all marvelled to see him, and would fain
+know who was the Knight of the Crimson Sleeve. But the knights of
+Arthur's court felt shame of their discomfiture, and, in especial,
+those of Launcelot's kin were wroth that one should appear who
+seemed mightier even than Launcelot's self. So they called to each
+other and, making a rally, directed all their force against the
+stranger knight who had so turned the fortunes of the day. With
+lances in rest, Sir Lionel, Sir Bors, and Sir Ector, bore down
+together upon Sir Launcelot, and Sir Bors' spear pierced Sir
+Launcelot and brought him to the earth, leaving the spear head
+broken off in his side. This Sir Lavaine saw, and immediately, with
+all his might, he rode upon the King of Scots, unhorsed him and
+took his horse to Sir Launcelot. Now Sir Launcelot felt as if he
+had got his death-wound, but such was his spirit that he was
+resolved to do some great deed while yet his strength remained. So,
+with Lavaine's aid, he got upon the horse, took a spear and, laying
+it in rest, bore down, one after the other, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel,
+and Sir Ector. Next he flung him into the thickest of the fight,
+and before the trumpets sounded the signal to cease, he had
+unhorsed thirty good knights.
+
+Then the Kings of Scotland and Ireland came to Sir Launcelot and
+said: "Sir Knight, we thank you for the service done us this day.
+And now, we pray you, come with us to receive the prize which is
+rightly yours; for never have we seen such deeds as ye have done
+this day." "My fair lords," answered Sir Launcelot, "for aught that
+I have accomplished, I am like to pay dearly; I beseech you, suffer
+me to depart." With these words, he rode away full gallop, followed
+by Sir Lavaine; and when he had come to a little wood, he called
+Lavaine to him, saying: "Gentle Knight, I entreat you, draw forth
+this spear head, for it nigh slayeth me." "Oh! my dear lord," said
+Lavaine, "I fear sore to draw it forth lest ye die." "If ye love
+me, draw it out," answered Launcelot. So Lavaine did as he was
+bidden, and, with a deathly groan, Sir Launcelot fell in a swoon to
+the ground. When he was a little recovered, he begged Lavaine to
+help him to his horse and lead him to a hermitage hard by where
+dwelt a hermit who, in bygone days, had been known to Launcelot for
+a good knight and true. So with pain and difficulty they journeyed
+to the hermitage, Lavaine oft fearing that Sir Launcelot would die.
+And when the hermit saw Sir Launcelot, all pale and besmeared with
+blood, he scarce knew him for the bold Sir Launcelot du Lac; but he
+bore him within and dressed his wound and bade him be of good
+cheer, for he should recover. So there Sir Launcelot abode many
+weeks and Sir Lavaine with him; for Lavaine would not leave him,
+such love had he for the good knight he had taken for his lord.
+
+Now when it was known that the victorious knight had departed from
+the field sore wounded, Sir Gawain vowed to go in search of him. So
+it chanced that, in his wanderings, he came to Astolat, and there
+he had a hearty welcome of the Lord of Astolat, who asked him for
+news of the tournament. Then Sir Gawain related how two stranger
+knights, bearing white shields, had won great glory, and in
+especial one, who wore in his helm a crimson sleeve, had surpassed
+all others in knightly prowess. At these words, the fair Elaine
+cried aloud with delight. "Maiden," said Gawain, "know ye this
+knight?" "Not his name," she replied; "but full sure was I that he
+was a noble knight when I prayed him to wear my favour." Then she
+showed Gawain the shield which she had kept wrapped in rich
+broideries, and immediately Sir Gawain knew it for Launcelot's.
+"Alas!" cried he, "without doubt it was Launcelot himself that we
+wounded to the death. Sir Bors will never recover the woe of it."
+
+Then, on the morrow, Sir Gawain rode to London to tell the court
+how the stranger knight and Launcelot were one; but the Fair Maid
+of Astolat rose betimes, and having obtained leave of her father,
+set out to search for Sir Launcelot and her brother Lavaine. After
+many journeyings, she came, one day, upon Lavaine exercising his
+horse in a field, and by him she was taken to Sir Launcelot. Then,
+indeed, her heart was filled with grief when she saw the good
+knight to whom she had given her crimson sleeve thus laid low; so
+she abode in the hermitage, waiting upon Sir Launcelot and doing
+all within her power to lessen his pain.
+
+After many weeks, by the good care of the hermit and the fair
+Elaine, Sir Launcelot was so far recovered that he might bear the
+weight of his armour and mount his horse again. Then, one morn,
+they left the hermitage and rode all three, the Fair Maid, Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Lavaine, to the castle of Astolat, where there
+was much joy of their coming. After brief sojourn, Sir Launcelot
+desired to ride to court, for he knew there would be much sorrow
+among his kinsmen for his long absence. But when he would take his
+departure, Elaine cried aloud: "Ah! my lord, suffer me to go with
+you, for I may not bear to lose you." "Fair child," answered Sir
+Launcelot gently, "that may not be. But in the days to come, when
+ye shall love and wed some good knight, for your sake I will bestow
+upon him broad lands and great riches; and at all times will I hold
+me ready to serve you as a true knight may." Thus spoke Sir
+Launcelot, but the fair Elaine answered never a word.
+
+So Sir Launcelot rode to London where the whole court was glad of
+his coming; but from the day of his departure, the Fair Maid
+drooped and pined until, when ten days were passed, she felt that
+her end was at hand. So she sent for her father and two brothers,
+to whom she said gently: "Dear father and brethren, I must now
+leave you." Bitterly they wept, but she comforted them all she
+might, and presently desired of her father a boon. "Ye shall have
+what ye will," said the old lord; for he hoped that she might yet
+recover. Then first she required her brother, Sir Tirre, to write a
+letter, word for word as she said it; and when it was written, she
+turned to her father and said: "Kind father, I desire that, when I
+am dead, I may be arrayed in my fairest raiment, and placed on a
+bier; and let the bier be set within a barge, with one to steer it
+until I be come to London. Then, perchance, Sir Launcelot will come
+and look upon me with kindness." So she died, and all was done as
+she desired; for they set her, looking as fair as a lily, in a
+barge all hung with black, and an old dumb man went with her as
+helmsman.
+
+Slowly the barge floated down the river until it had come to
+Westminster; and as it passed under the palace walls, it chanced
+that King Arthur and Queen Guenevere looked forth from a window.
+Marvelling much at the strange sight, together they went forth to
+the quay, followed by many of the knights. Then the King espied the
+letter clasped in the dead maiden's hand, and drew it forth gently
+and broke the seal. And thus the letter ran: "Most noble Knight,
+Sir Launcelot, I, that men called the Fair Maid of Astolat, am come
+hither to crave burial at thy hands for the sake of the unrequited
+love I gave thee. As thou art peerless knight, pray for my soul."
+
+Then the King bade fetch Sir Launcelot, and when he was come, he
+showed him the letter. And Sir Launcelot, gazing on the dead
+maiden, was filled with sorrow. "My lord Arthur," he said, "for the
+death of this dear child I shall grieve my life long. Gentle she
+was and loving, and much was I beholden to her; but what she
+desired I could not give." "Yet her request now thou wilt grant, I
+know," said the King; "for ever thou art kind and courteous to
+all." "It is my desire," answered Sir Launcelot.
+
+So the Maid of Astolat was buried in the presence of the King and
+Queen and of the fellowship of the Round Table, and of many a
+gentle lady who wept, that time, the fair child's fate. Over her
+grave was raised a tomb of white marble, and on it was sculptured
+the shield of Sir Launcelot; for, when he had heard her whole
+story, it was the King's will that she that in life had guarded the
+shield of his noblest knight, should keep it also in death.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK X
+
+QUEEN GUENEVERE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+HOW MORDRED PLOTTED AGAINST SIR LAUNCELOT
+
+
+Before Merlin passed from the world of men, imprisoned in the great
+stone by the evil arts of Vivien, he had uttered many marvellous
+prophecies, and one that boded ill to King Arthur; for he foretold
+that, in the days to come, a son of Arthur's sister should stir up
+bitter war against the King, and at last a great battle should be
+fought in the West, when many a brave knight should find his doom.
+
+Now, among the nephews of Arthur, was one most dishonourable; his
+name was Mordred. No knightly deed had he ever done, and he hated
+to hear the good report of others because he himself was a coward
+and envious. But of all the Round Table there was none that Mordred
+hated more than Sir Launcelot du Lac, whom all true knights held in
+most honour; and not the less did Mordred hate Launcelot that he
+was the knight whom Queen Guenevere had in most esteem. So, at
+last, his jealous rage passing all bounds, he spoke evil of the
+Queen and of Launcelot, saying that they were traitors to the King.
+Now Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth, Mordred's brothers, refused to give
+ear to these slanders, holding that Sir Launcelot, in his knightly
+service of the Queen, did honour to King Arthur also; but by
+ill-fortune another brother, Sir Agravaine, had ill-will to the
+Queen, and professed to believe Mordred's evil tales. So the two
+went to King Arthur with their ill stories.
+
+Now when Arthur had heard them, he was wroth; for never would he
+lightly believe evil of any, and Sir Launcelot was the knight whom
+he loved above all others. Sternly then he bade them begone and
+come no more to him with unproven tales against any, and, least of
+all, against Sir Launcelot and their lady, the Queen.
+
+The two departed, but in their hearts was hatred against Launcelot
+and the Queen, more bitter than ever for the rebuke they had
+called down upon themselves; and they resolved, from that time
+forth, diligently to watch if, perchance, they might find aught to
+turn to evil account against Sir Launcelot.
+
+Not long after, it seemed to them that the occasion had come. For
+King Arthur having ridden forth to hunt far from Carlisle, where he
+then held court, the Queen sent for Sir Launcelot to speak with him
+in her bower. Then Agravaine and Mordred got together twelve
+knights, friends of Sir Gawain, their brother, and persuaded them
+to come with them for they should do the King a service. So with
+the twelve knights they watched and waited in a little room until
+they saw Sir Launcelot, all unarmed, pass into the Queen's chamber;
+and when the door was closed upon him, they came forth, and Sir
+Agravaine and Sir Mordred thundered on the door, crying so that all
+the court might hear: "Thou traitor, Sir Launcelot, come forth from
+the Queen's chamber. Come forth, for thy treason against the King
+is known to all!"
+
+Then Sir Launcelot and the Queen were amazed and filled with shame
+that such a clamour should be raised where the Queen was. While
+they waited and listened in dismay, Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine
+took up the cry again, the twelve knights echoing it: "Traitor
+Launcelot, come forth and meet thy doom; for thy last hour is
+come." Then Sir Launcelot, wroth more for the Queen than for
+himself, exclaimed: "This shameful cry will kill me; better death
+than such dishonour. Lady, as I have ever been your true knight,
+since the day when my lord, King Arthur, knighted me, pray for me
+if now I meet my death." Then he went to the door and cried to
+those without: "Fair lords, cease this outcry. I will open the
+door, and then ye shall do with me as ye will." With the word, he
+set open the door, but only by so much that one knight could enter
+at a time. So a certain Sir Colgrevance of Gore, a knight of great
+stature, pushed into the room and thrust at Sir Launcelot with all
+his might; but Sir Launcelot, with the arm round which he had
+wrapped his cloak, turned aside the sword and, with his bare hand,
+dealt Colgrevance such a blow on the helmet that he fell grovelling
+to the earth. Then Sir Launcelot thrust to and barred the door, and
+stripping the fallen knight of his armour, armed himself in haste
+with the aid of the Queen and her ladies.
+
+All this while, Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred continued their
+outcry; so when he was armed, Sir Launcelot called to them to cease
+their vile cries and the next day he would meet any or all of them
+in arms and knightly disprove their vile slander. Now there was not
+one among those knights who dared meet Sir Launcelot in the open
+field, so they were resolved to slay him while they had the
+advantage over him. When Sir Launcelot understood their evil
+purpose, he set wide the door and rushed upon them. At the first
+blow he slew Sir Agravaine, and soon eleven other knights lay cold
+on the earth beside him. Only Mordred escaped, for he fled with all
+his might; but, even so, he was sore wounded.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot spoke to the Queen. "Madam," said he, "here may
+I no longer stay, for many a foe have I made me this night. And
+when I am gone, I know not what evil may be spoken of you for this
+night's work. I pray you, then, suffer me to lead you to a place of
+safety." "Ye shall run no more risk for my sake," said the Queen;
+"only go hence in haste before more harm befall you. But as for me,
+here I abide. I will flee for no traitor's outcry."
+
+So Sir Launcelot, seeing that at that time there was naught he
+might do for Queen Guenevere, withdrew with all his kin to a little
+distance from Carlisle, and awaited what should befall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE TRIAL OF THE QUEEN
+
+
+When Mordred escaped Sir Launcelot, he got to horse, all wounded as
+he was, and never drew rein till he had found King Arthur, to whom
+he told all that had happened.
+
+Then great was the King's grief. Despite all that Mordred could
+say, he was slow to doubt Sir Launcelot, whom he loved, but his
+mind was filled with forebodings; for many a knight had been slain,
+and well he knew that their kin would seek vengeance on Sir
+Launcelot, and the noble fellowship of the Round Table be utterly
+destroyed by their feuds.
+
+All too soon, it proved even as the King had feared. Many were
+found to hold with Sir Mordred; some because they were kin to the
+knights that had been slain, some from envy of the honour and
+worship of the noble Sir Launcelot; and among them even were those
+who dared to raise their voice against the Queen herself, calling
+for judgment upon her as leagued with a traitor against the King,
+and as having caused the death of so many good knights. Now in
+those days the law was that if any one were accused of treason by
+witnesses, or taken in the act, that one should die the death by
+burning, be it man or woman, knight or churl. So then the murmurs
+grew to a loud clamour that the law should have its course, and
+that King Arthur should pass sentence on the Queen. Then was the
+King's woe doubled; "For," said he, "I sit as King to be a rightful
+judge and keep all the law; wherefore I may not do battle for my
+own Queen, and now there is none other to help her." So a decree
+was issued that Queen Guenevere should be burnt at the stake
+outside the walls of Carlisle.
+
+Forthwith, King Arthur sent for his nephew, Sir Gawain, and said to
+him: "Fair nephew, I give it in charge to you to see that all is
+done as has been decreed." But Sir Gawain answered boldly: "Sir
+King, never will I be present to see my lady the Queen die. It is
+of ill counsel that ye have consented to her death." Then the King
+bade Gawain send his two young brothers, Sir Gareth and Sir
+Gaheris, to receive his commands, and these he desired to attend
+the Queen to the place of execution. So Gareth made answer for
+both: "My Lord the King, we owe you obedience in all things, but
+know that it is sore against our wills that we obey you in this;
+nor will we appear in arms in the place where that noble lady shall
+die"; then sorrowfully they mounted their horses, and rode to
+Carlisle.
+
+When the day appointed had come, the Queen was led forth to a place
+without the walls of Carlisle, and there she was bound to the stake
+to be burnt to death. Loud were her ladies' lamentations, and many
+a lord was found to weep at that grievous sight of a Queen brought
+so low; yet was there none who dared come forward as her champion,
+lest he should be suspected of treason. As for Gareth and Gaheris,
+they could not bear the sight and stood with their faces covered in
+their mantles. Then, just as the torch was to be applied to the
+faggots, there was a sound as of many horses galloping, and the
+next instant a band of knights rushed upon the astonished throng,
+their leader cutting down all who crossed his path until he had
+reached the Queen, whom he lifted to his saddle and bore from the
+press. Then all men knew that it was Sir Launcelot, come knightly
+to rescue the Queen, and in their hearts they rejoiced. So with
+little hindrance they rode away, Sir Launcelot and all his kin with
+the Queen in their midst, till they came to the castle of the
+Joyous Garde where they held the Queen in safety and all reverence.
+
+But of that day came a kingdom's ruin, for among the slain were
+Gawain's brothers, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris. Now Sir Launcelot
+loved Sir Gareth as if he had been his own younger brother, and
+himself had knighted him; but, in the press, he struck at him and
+killed him, not seeing that he was unarmed and weaponless; and in
+like wise, Sir Gaheris met his death. So when word was brought to
+King Arthur of what had passed, Sir Gawain asked straightway how
+his brothers had fared. "Both are slain," said the messenger.
+"Alas! my dear brothers!" cried Sir Gawain; "how came they by their
+death?" "They were both slain by Sir Launcelot." "That will I never
+believe," cried Sir Gawain; "for my brother, Sir Gareth, had such
+love for Sir Launcelot that there was naught Sir Launcelot could
+ask him that he would not do." But the man said again: "He is
+slain, and by Sir Launcelot."
+
+Then, from sheer grief, Sir Gawain fell swooning to the ground.
+When he was recovered, he said: "My Lord and uncle, is it even as
+this man says, that Sir Launcelot has slain my brother Sir Gareth?"
+"Alas!" said the King, "Launcelot rode upon him in the press and
+slew him, not seeing who he was or that he was unarmed." "Then,"
+cried Gawain fiercely, "here I make my avow. Never, while my life
+lasts, will I leave Sir Launcelot in peace until he has rendered me
+account for the slaying of my brother." From that day forth, Sir
+Gawain would not suffer the King to rest until he had gathered all
+his host and marched against the Joyous Garde. Thus began the war
+which broke up the fellowship of the Round Table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+HOW SIR GAWAIN DEFIED SIR LAUNCELOT
+
+
+Now it came to the ears of the Pope in Rome that King Arthur was
+besieging Sir Launcelot in his castle of the Joyous Garde, and it
+grieved him that there should be strife between two such goodly
+knights, the like of whom was not to be found in Christendom. So he
+called to him the Bishop of Rochester, and bade him carry word to
+Britain, both to Arthur and to Sir Launcelot, that they should be
+reconciled, the one to the other, and that King Arthur should
+receive again Queen Guenevere.
+
+Forthwith Sir Launcelot desired of King Arthur assurance of liberty
+and reverence for the Queen, as also safe conduct for himself and
+his knights, that he might bring Dame Guenevere, with due honour,
+to the King at Carlisle; and thereto the King pledged his word.
+
+So Launcelot set forth with the Queen, and behind them rode a
+hundred knights arrayed in green velvet, the housings of the horses
+of the same all studded with precious stones; thus they passed
+through the city of Carlisle, openly, in the sight of all, and
+there were many who rejoiced that the Queen was come again and Sir
+Launcelot with her, though they of Gawain's party scowled upon him.
+
+When they were come into the great hall where Arthur sat, with Sir
+Gawain and other great lords about him, Sir Launcelot led
+Guenevere to the throne and both knelt before the King; then,
+rising, Sir Launcelot lifted the Queen to her feet, and thus he
+spoke to King Arthur, boldly and well before the whole court: "My
+lord, Sir Arthur, I bring you here your Queen, than whom no truer
+nor nobler lady ever lived; and here stand I, Sir Launcelot du Lac,
+ready to do battle with any that dare gainsay it"; and with these
+words Sir Launcelot turned and looked upon the lords and knights
+present in their places, but none would challenge him in that
+cause, not even Sir Gawain, for he had ever affirmed that Dame
+Guenevere was a true and honourable lady.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot spoke again: "Now, my Lord Arthur, in my own
+defence it behoves me to say that never in aught have I been false
+to you. That I slew certain knights is true; but I hold me
+guiltless, seeing that they brought death upon themselves. For no
+sooner had I gone to the Queen's bower, as she had commanded me,
+than they beset the door, with shameful outcry, that all the court
+might hear, calling me traitor and felon knight." "And rightly they
+called you," cried Sir Gawain fiercely. "My lord, Sir Gawain,"
+answered Sir Launcelot, "in their quarrel they proved not
+themselves right, else had not I, alone, encountered fourteen
+knights and come forth unscathed."
+
+Then said King Arthur: "Sir Launcelot, I have ever loved you above
+all other knights, and trusted you to the uttermost; but ill have
+ye done by me and mine." "My lord," said Launcelot, "that I slew
+Sir Gareth I shall mourn as long as life lasts. As soon would I
+have slain my own nephew, Sir Bors, as have harmed Sir Gareth
+wittingly; for I myself made him knight, and loved him as my
+brother." "Liar and traitor," cried Sir Gawain, "ye slew him,
+defenceless and unarmed." "It is full plain, Sir Gawain," said
+Launcelot, "that never again shall I have your love; and yet there
+has been old kindness between us, and once ye thanked me that I
+saved your life." "It shall not avail you now," said Sir Gawain;
+"traitor ye are, both to the King and to me. Know that, while life
+lasts, never will I rest until I have avenged my brother Sir
+Gareth's death upon you." "Fair nephew," said the King, "cease your
+brawling. Sir Launcelot has come under surety of my word that none
+shall do him harm. Elsewhere, and at another time, fasten a quarrel
+upon him, if quarrel ye must." "I care not," cried Sir Gawain
+fiercely. "The proud traitor trusts so in his own strength that he
+thinks none dare meet him. But here I defy him and swear that, be
+it in open combat or by stealth, I shall have his life. And know,
+mine uncle and King, if I shall not have your aid, I and mine will
+leave you for ever, and, if need be, fight even against you."
+"Peace," said the King; and to Sir Launcelot: "We give you fifteen
+days in which to leave this kingdom." Then Sir Launcelot sighed
+heavily and said: "Full well I see that no sorrow of mine for what
+is past availeth me." Then he went to the Queen where she sat, and
+said: "Madam, the time is come when I must leave this fair realm
+that I have loved. Think well of me, I pray you, and send for me
+if ever there be aught in which a true knight may serve lady."
+Therewith he turned him about and, without greeting to any, passed
+through the hall, and with his faithful knights rode to the Joyous
+Garde, though ever thereafter, in memory of that sad day, he called
+it the Dolorous Garde.
+
+There he called about him his friends and kinsmen, saying: "Fair
+Knights, I must now pass into my own lands." Then they all, with
+one voice, cried that they would go with him. So he thanked them,
+promising them all fair estates and great honour when they were
+come to his kingdom; for all France belonged to Sir Launcelot. Yet
+was he loth to leave the land where he had followed so many
+glorious adventures, and sore he mourned to part in anger from King
+Arthur. "My mind misgives me," said Sir Launcelot, "but that
+trouble shall come of Sir Mordred, for he is envious and a
+mischief-maker, and it grieves me that never more I may serve Sir
+Arthur and his realm."
+
+So Sir Launcelot sorrowed; but his kinsmen were wroth for the
+dishonour done him, and making haste to depart, by the fifteenth
+day they were all embarked to sail overseas to France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+HOW KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAIN WENT TO FRANCE
+
+
+From the day when Sir Launcelot brought the Queen to Carlisle,
+never would Gawain suffer the King to be at rest; but always he
+desired him to call his army together that they might go to attack
+Sir Launcelot in his own land.
+
+Now King Arthur was loth to war against Sir Launcelot; and seeing
+this, Sir Gawain upbraided him bitterly. "I see well it is naught
+to you that my brother, Sir Gareth, died fulfilling your behest.
+Little ye care if all your knights be slain, if only the traitor
+Launcelot escape. Since, then, ye will not do me justice nor avenge
+your own nephew, I and my fellows will take the traitor when and
+how we may. He trusts in his own might that none can encounter with
+him; let see if we may not entrap him."
+
+Thus urged, King Arthur called his army together and bade collect a
+great fleet; for rather would he fight openly with Sir Launcelot
+than that Sir Gawain should bring such dishonour upon himself as to
+slay a noble knight treacherously. So with a great host, the King
+passed overseas to France, leaving Sir Mordred to rule Britain in
+his stead.
+
+When Launcelot heard that King Arthur and Sir Gawain were coming
+against him, he withdrew into the strong castle of Benwick; for
+unwilling indeed was he to fight with the King, or to do an injury
+to Sir Gareth's brother. The army passed through the land, laying
+it waste, and presently encamped about the castle, laying close
+siege to it; but so thick were the walls, and so watchful the
+garrison, that in no way could they prevail against it.
+
+One day, there came to Sir Launcelot seven brethren, brave knights
+of Wales, who had joined their fortunes to his, and said: "Sir
+Launcelot, bid us sally forth against this host which has invaded
+and laid waste your lands, and we will scatter it; for we are not
+wont to cower behind walls." "Fair lords," answered Launcelot, "it
+is grief to me to war on good Christian knights, and especially on
+my lord, King Arthur. Have but patience and I will send to him and
+see if, even now, there may not be a treaty of peace between us;
+for better far is peace than war." So Sir Launcelot sought out a
+damsel and, mounting her upon a palfrey, bade her ride to King
+Arthur's camp and require of the King to cease warring on his
+lands, proffering fair terms of peace. When the damsel came to the
+camp, there met her Sir Lucan the Butler, "Fair damsel," said Sir
+Lucan, "do ye come from Sir Launcelot?" "Yea, in good truth," said
+the damsel; "and, I pray you, lead me to King Arthur." "Now, may ye
+prosper in your errand," said Sir Lucan. "Our King loves Sir
+Launcelot dearly and wishes him well; but Sir Gawain will not
+suffer him to be reconciled to him." So when the damsel had come
+before the King, she told him all her tale, and much she said of
+Sir Launcelot's love and good-will to his lord the King, so that
+the tears stood in Arthur's eyes. But Sir Gawain broke in roughly:
+"My Lord and uncle, shall it be said of us that we came hither with
+such a host to hie us home again, nothing done, to be the scoff of
+all men?" "Nephew," said the King, "methinks Sir Launcelot offers
+fair and generously. It were well if ye would accept his proffer.
+Nevertheless, as the quarrel is yours, so shall the answer be."
+"Then, damsel," said Sir Gawain, "say unto Sir Launcelot that the
+time for peace is past. And tell him that I, Sir Gawain, swear by
+the faith I owe to knighthood that never will I forego my revenge."
+
+So the damsel returned to Sir Launcelot and told him all. Sir
+Launcelot's heart was filled with grief nigh unto breaking; but his
+knights were enraged and clamoured that he had endured too much of
+insult and wrong, and that he should lead them forth to battle. Sir
+Launcelot armed him sorrowfully, and presently the gates were set
+open and he rode forth, he and all his company. But to all his
+knights he had given commandment that none should seek King Arthur;
+"For never," said he, "will I see the noble King, who made me
+knight, either killed or shamed."
+
+Fierce was the battle between those two hosts. On Launcelot's side,
+Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine and many another did right well; while on
+the other side, King Arthur bore him as the noble knight he was,
+and Sir Gawain raged through the battle, seeking to come at Sir
+Launcelot. Presently, Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur, and
+unhorsed him. This Sir Launcelot saw and, coming to the King's
+side, he alighted and, raising him from the ground, mounted him
+upon his own horse. Then King Arthur, looking upon Launcelot,
+cried: "Ah! Launcelot, Launcelot! That ever there should be war
+between us two!" and tears stood in the King's eyes. "Ah! my Lord
+Arthur," cried Sir Launcelot, "I pray you stay this war." As they
+spoke thus, Sir Gawain came upon them, and, miscalling Sir
+Launcelot traitor and coward, had almost ridden upon him before
+Launcelot could provide him of another horse. Then the two hosts
+drew back, each on its own side, to see the battle between Sir
+Launcelot and Sir Gawain; for they wheeled their horses, and
+departing far asunder, rushed again upon each other with the noise
+of thunder, and each bore the other from his horse. Then they put
+their shields before them and set on each other with their swords;
+but while ever Sir Gawain smote fiercely, Sir Launcelot was content
+only to ward off blows, because he would not, for Sir Gareth's
+sake, do any harm to Sir Gawain. But the more Sir Launcelot forbore
+him, the more furiously Sir Gawain struck, so that Sir Launcelot
+had much ado to defend himself, and at the last smote Gawain on the
+helm so mightily that he bore him to the ground. Then Sir
+Launcelot stood back from Sir Gawain. But Gawain cried: "Why do ye
+draw back, traitor knight? Slay me while ye may, for never will I
+cease to be your enemy while my life lasts." "Sir," said Launcelot,
+"I shall withstand you as I may; but never will I smite a fallen
+knight." Then he spoke to King Arthur: "My Lord, I pray you, if but
+for this day, draw off your men. And think upon our former love if
+ye may; but, be ye friend or foe, God keep you." Thereupon Sir
+Launcelot drew off with his men into his castle, and King Arthur
+and his company to their tents. As for Sir Gawain, his squires bore
+him to his tent where his wounds were dressed.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XI
+
+THE MORTE D'ARTHUR
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+MORDRED THE TRAITOR
+
+
+So Sir Gawain lay healing of the grim wound which Sir Launcelot had
+given him, and there was peace between the two armies, when there
+came messengers from Britain bearing letters for King Arthur; and
+more evil news than they brought might not well be, for they told
+how Sir Mordred had usurped his uncle's realm. First, he had caused
+it to be noised abroad that King Arthur was slain in battle with
+Sir Launcelot, and, since there be many ever ready to believe any
+idle rumour and eager for any change, it had been no hard task for
+Sir Mordred to call the lords to a Parliament and persuade them to
+make him king. But the Queen could not be brought to believe that
+her lord was dead, so she took refuge in the Tower of London from
+Sir Mordred's violence, nor was she to be induced to leave her
+strong refuge for aught that Mordred could promise or threaten.
+
+This was the news that came to Arthur as he lay encamped about Sir
+Launcelot's castle of Benwick. Forthwith he bade his host make
+ready to move, and when they had reached the coast, they embarked
+and made sail to reach Britain with all possible speed.
+
+Sir Mordred, on his part, had heard of their sailing, and hasted to
+get together a great army. It was grievous to see how many a stout
+knight held by Mordred, ay, even many whom Arthur himself had
+raised to honour and fortune; for it is the nature of men to be
+fickle. Thus it was that, when Arthur drew near to Dover, he found
+Mordred with a mighty host, waiting to oppose his landing. Then
+there was a great sea-fight, those of Mordred's party going out in
+boats, great and small, to board King Arthur's ships and slay him
+and his men or ever they should come to land. Right valiantly did
+King Arthur bear him, as was his wont, and boldly his followers
+fought in his cause, so that at last they drove off their enemies
+and landed at Dover in spite of Mordred and his array. For that
+time Mordred fled, and King Arthur bade those of his party bury the
+slain and tend the wounded.
+
+So as they passed from ship to ship, salving and binding the hurts
+of the men, they came at last upon Sir Gawain, where he lay at the
+bottom of a boat, wounded to the death, for he had received a great
+blow on the wound that Sir Launcelot had given him. They bore him
+to his tent, and his uncle, the King, came to him, sorrowing beyond
+measure. "Methinks," said the King, "my joy on earth is done; for
+never have I loved any men as I have loved you, my nephew, and Sir
+Launcelot. Sir Launcelot I have lost, and now I see you on your
+death-bed." "My King," said Sir Gawain, "my hour is come, and I
+have got my death at Sir Launcelot's hand; for I am smitten on the
+wound he gave me. And rightly am I served, for of my willfulness
+and stubbornness comes this unhappy war. I pray you, my uncle,
+raise me in your arms and let me write to Sir Launcelot before I
+die."
+
+Thus, then, Sir Gawain wrote: "To Sir Launcelot, the noblest of all
+knights, I, Gawain, send greeting before I die. For I am smitten on
+the wound ye gave me before your castle of Benwick in France, and I
+bid all men bear witness that I sought my own death and that ye are
+innocent of it. I pray you, by our friendship of old, come again
+into Britain, and when ye look upon my tomb, pray for Gawain of
+Orkney. Farewell."
+
+So Sir Gawain died and was buried in the Chapel at Dover.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+THE BATTLE IN THE WEST
+
+
+The day after the battle at Dover, King Arthur and his host pursued
+Sir Mordred to Barham Down where again there was a great battle
+fought, with much slaughter on both sides; but, in the end, Arthur
+was victorious, and Mordred fled to Canterbury.
+
+Now, by this time, many that Mordred had cheated by his lying
+reports, had drawn unto King Arthur, to whom at heart they had ever
+been loyal, knowing him for a true and noble king and hating
+themselves for having been deceived by such a false usurper as Sir
+Mordred. Then when he found that he was being deserted, Sir Mordred
+withdrew to the far West, for there men knew less of what had
+happened, and so he might still find some to believe in him and
+support him; and being without conscience, he even called to his
+aid the heathen hosts that his uncle, King Arthur, had driven from
+the land, in the good years when Launcelot was of the Round Table.
+
+King Arthur followed ever after; for in his heart was bitter anger
+against the false nephew who had wrought woe upon him and all his
+realm. At the last, when Mordred could flee no further, the two
+hosts were drawn up near the shore of the great western sea; and it
+was the Feast of the Holy Trinity.
+
+That night, as King Arthur slept, he thought that Sir Gawain stood
+before him, looking just as he did in life, and said to him: "My
+uncle and my King, God in his great love has suffered me to come
+unto you, to warn you that in no wise ye fight on the morrow; for
+if ye do, ye shall be slain, and with you the most part of the
+people on both sides. Make ye, therefore, treaty for a month, and
+within that time, Sir Launcelot shall come to you with all his
+knights, and ye shall overthrow the traitor and all that hold with
+him." Therewith, Sir Gawain vanished. Immediately, the King awoke
+and called to him the best and wisest of his knights, the two
+brethren, Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere, and others, to
+whom he told his dream. Then all were agreed that, on any terms
+whatsoever, a treaty should be made with Sir Mordred, even as Sir
+Gawain had said; and, with the dawn, messengers went to the camp of
+the enemy, to call Sir Mordred to a conference. So it was
+determined that the meeting should take place in the sight of both
+armies, in an open space between the two camps, and that King
+Arthur and Mordred should each be accompanied by fourteen knights.
+Little enough faith had either in the other, so when they set forth
+to the meeting, they bade their hosts join battle if ever they saw
+a sword drawn. Thus they went to the conference.
+
+Now as they talked, it befell that an adder, coming out of a bush
+hard by, stung a knight in the foot; and he, seeing the snake, drew
+his sword to kill it and thought no harm thereby. But on the
+instant that the sword flashed, the trumpets blared on both sides
+and the two hosts rushed to battle. Never was there fought a fight
+of such bitter enmity; for brother fought with brother, and comrade
+with comrade, and fiercely they cut and thrust, with many a bitter
+word between; while King Arthur himself, his heart hot within him,
+rode through and through the battle, seeking the traitor Mordred.
+So they fought all day, till at last the evening fell. Then Arthur,
+looking around him, saw of his valiant knights but two left, Sir
+Lucan and Sir Bedivere, and these sore wounded; and there, over
+against him, by a great heap of the dead, stood Sir Mordred, the
+cause of all this ruin. Thereupon the King, his heart nigh broken
+with grief for the loss of his true knights, cried with a loud
+voice: "Traitor! now is thy doom upon thee!" and with his spear
+gripped in both hands, he rushed upon Sir Mordred and smote him
+that the weapon stood out a fathom behind. And Sir Mordred knew
+that he had his death-wound. With all the might that he had, he
+thrust him up the spear to the haft and, with his sword, struck
+King Arthur upon the head, that the steel pierced the helmet and
+bit into the head; then he fell back, stark and dead.
+
+Sir Lucan and Sir Bedivere went to the King where he lay, swooning
+from the blow, and bore him to a little chapel on the sea-shore. As
+they laid him on the ground, Sir Lucan fell dead beside the King,
+and Arthur, coming to himself, found but Sir Bedivere alive beside
+him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+THE PASSING OF ARTHUR
+
+
+So King Arthur lay wounded to the death, grieving, not that his end
+was come, but for the desolation of his kingdom and the loss of his
+good knights. And looking upon the body of Sir Lucan, he sighed and
+said: "Alas! true knight, dead for my sake! If I lived, I should
+ever grieve for thy death, but now mine own end draws nigh." Then,
+turning to Sir Bedivere, who stood sorrowing beside him, he said:
+"Leave weeping now, for the time is short and much to do. Hereafter
+shalt thou weep if thou wilt. But take now my sword Excalibur,
+hasten to the water side, and fling it into the deep. Then, watch
+what happens and bring me word thereof." "My Lord," said Sir
+Bedivere, "your command shall be obeyed"; and taking the sword, he
+departed. But as he went on his way, he looked on the sword, how
+wondrously it was formed and the hilt all studded with precious
+stones; and, as he looked, he called to mind the marvel by which it
+had come into the King's keeping. For on a certain day, as Arthur
+walked on the shore of a great lake, there had appeared above the
+surface of the water a hand brandishing a sword. On the instant,
+the King had leaped into a boat, and, rowing into the lake, had got
+the sword and brought it back to land. Then he had seen how, on one
+side the blade, was written, "Keep me," but on the other, "Throw me
+away," and, sore perplexed, he had shown it to Merlin, the great
+wizard, who said: "Keep it now. The time for casting away has not
+yet come." Thinking on this, it seemed to Bedivere that no good,
+but harm, must come of obeying the King's word; so hiding the sword
+under a tree, he hastened back to the little chapel. Then said the
+King: "What saw'st thou?" "Sir," answered Bedivere, "I saw naught
+but the waves, heard naught but the wind." "That is untrue," said
+King Arthur; "I charge thee, as thou art true knight, go again and
+spare not to throw away the sword."
+
+Sir Bedivere departed a second time, and his mind was to obey his
+lord; but when he took the sword in his hand, he thought: "Sin it
+is and shameful, to throw away so glorious a sword." Then, hiding
+it again, he hastened back to the King, "What saw'st thou?" said
+Sir Arthur. "Sir, I saw the water lap on the crags." Then spoke the
+King in great wrath: "Traitor and unkind! Twice hast thou betrayed
+me! Art dazzled by the splendour of the jewels, thou that, till
+now, hast ever been dear and true to me? Go yet again, but if thou
+fail me this time, I will arise and, with mine own hands, slay
+thee."
+
+Then Sir Bedivere left the King and, that time, he took the sword
+quickly from the place where he had hidden it and, forbearing even
+to look upon it, he twisted the belt about it and flung it with all
+his force into the water. A wondrous sight he saw, for, as the
+sword touched the water, a hand rose from out the deep, caught it,
+brandished it thrice, and drew it beneath the surface.
+
+Sir Bedivere hastened back to the King and told him what he had
+seen. "It is well," said Arthur; "now, bear me to the water's edge;
+and hasten, I pray thee, for I have tarried over-long and my wound
+has taken cold." So Sir Bedivere raised the King on his back and
+bore him tenderly to the lonely shore, where the lapping waves
+floated many an empty helmet and the fitful moonlight fell on the
+upturned faces of the dead. Scarce had they reached the shore when
+there hove in sight a barge, and on its deck stood three tall
+women, robed all in black and wearing crowns on their heads. "Place
+me in the barge," said the King, and softly Sir Bedivere lifted the
+King into it. And these three Queens wept sore over Arthur, and one
+took his head in her lap and chafed his hands, crying: "Alas! my
+brother, thou hast been over-long in coming and, I fear me, thy
+wound has taken cold." Then the barge began to move slowly from the
+land. When Sir Bedivere saw this, he lifted up his voice and cried
+with a bitter cry: "Ah! my Lord Arthur, thou art taken from me! And
+I, whither shall I go?" "Comfort thyself," said the King, "for in
+me is no comfort more. I pass to the Valley of Avilion, to heal me
+of my grievous wound. If thou seest me never again, pray for me."
+
+So the barge floated away out of sight, and Sir Bedivere stood
+straining his eyes after it till it had vanished utterly. Then he
+turned him about and journeyed through the forest until, at
+daybreak, he reached a hermitage. Entering it, he prayed the holy
+hermit that he might abide with him, and there he spent the rest of
+his life in prayer and holy exercise.
+
+But of King Arthur is no more known. Some men, indeed, say that he
+is not dead, but abides in the happy Valley of Avilion until such
+time as his country's need is sorest, when he shall come again and
+deliver it. Others say that, of a truth, he is dead, and that, in
+the far West, his tomb may be seen, and written on it these words:
+
+     "Here lies Arthur, once King and King to be."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+THE DEATH OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND OF THE QUEEN
+
+
+When news reached Sir Launcelot in his own land of the treason of
+Mordred, he gathered his lords and knights together, and rested not
+till he had come to Britain to aid King Arthur. He landed at Dover,
+and there the evil tidings were told him, how the King had met his
+death at the hands of his traitor nephew. Then was Sir Launcelot's
+heart nigh broken for grief. "Alas!" he cried, "that I should live
+to know my King overthrown by such a felon! What have I done that I
+should have caused the deaths of the good knights, Sir Gareth, Sir
+Gaheris, and Sir Gawain, and yet that such a villain should escape
+my sword!" Then he desired to be led to Sir Gawain's tomb where he
+remained long in prayer and in great lamentation; after which he
+called to him his kinsmen and friends, and said to them: "My fair
+lords, I thank you all most heartily that, of your courtesy, ye
+came with me to this land. That we be come too late is a misfortune
+that might not be avoided, though I shall mourn it my life long.
+And now I will ride forth alone to find my lady the Queen in the
+West, whither men say she has fled. Wait for me, I pray you, for
+fifteen days, and then, if ye hear naught of me, return to your own
+lands." So Sir Launcelot rode forth alone, nor would he suffer any
+to follow him, despite their prayers and entreaties.
+
+Thus he rode some seven or eight days until, at the last, he came
+to a nunnery where he saw in the cloister many nuns waiting on a
+fair lady; none other, indeed, than Queen Guenevere herself. And
+she, looking up, saw Sir Launcelot, and at the sight, grew so pale
+that her ladies feared for her; but she recovered, and bade them go
+and bring Sir Launcelot to her presence. When he was come, she said
+to him: "Sir Launcelot, glad am I to see thee once again that I may
+bid thee farewell; for in this world shall we never meet again."
+"Sweet Madam," answered Sir Launcelot, "I was minded, with your
+leave, to bear you to my own country, where I doubt not but I
+should guard you well and safely from your enemies." "Nay,
+Launcelot," said the Queen, "that may not be; I am resolved never
+to look upon the world again, but here to pass my life in prayer
+and in such good works as I may. But thou, do thou get back to
+thine own land and take a fair wife; and ye both shall ever have my
+prayers." "Madam," replied Sir Launcelot, "ye know well that shall
+never be. And since ye are resolved to lead a life of prayer, I,
+too, will forsake the world if I can find hermit to share his cell
+with me; for ever your will has been mine." Long and earnestly he
+looked upon her as he might never gaze enough; then, getting to
+horse, he rode slowly away.
+
+Nor did they ever meet again in life. For Queen Guenevere abode in
+the great nunnery of Almesbury where Sir Launcelot had found her,
+and presently, for the holiness of her life, was made Abbess. But
+Sir Launcelot, after he had left her, rode on his way till he came
+to the cell where Sir Bedivere dwelt with the holy hermit; and when
+Sir Bedivere had told him all that had befallen, of the great
+battle in the West, and of the passing away of Arthur, Sir
+Launcelot flung down his arms and implored the holy hermit to let
+him remain there as the servant of God. So Sir Launcelot donned the
+serge gown and abode in the hermitage as the priest of God.
+
+Presently there came riding that way the good Sir Bors, Launcelot's
+nephew; for, when Sir Launcelot returned not to Dover, Sir Bors and
+many another knight went forth in search of him. There, then, Sir
+Bors remained and, within a half-year, there joined themselves to
+these three many who in former days had been fellows of the Round
+Table; and the fame of their piety spread far and wide.
+
+So six years passed and then, one night, Launcelot had a vision. It
+seemed to him that one said to him: "Launcelot, arise and go in
+haste to Almesbury. There shalt thou find Queen Guenevere dead, and
+it shall be for thee to bury her." Sir Launcelot arose at once and,
+calling his fellows to him, told them his dream. Immediately, with
+all haste, they set forth towards Almesbury and, arriving there the
+second day, found the Queen dead, as had been foretold in the
+vision. So with the state and ceremony befitting a great Queen,
+they buried her in the Abbey of Glastonbury, in that same church
+where, some say, King Arthur's tomb is to be found. Launcelot it
+was who performed the funeral rites and chanted the requiem; but
+when all was done, he pined away, growing weaker daily. So at the
+end of six weeks, he called to him his fellows, and bidding them
+all farewell, desired that his dead body should be conveyed to the
+Joyous Garde, there to be buried; for that in the church at
+Glastonbury he was not worthy to lie. And that same night he died,
+and was buried, as he had desired, in his own castle. So passed
+from the world the bold Sir Launcelot du Lac, bravest, most
+courteous, and most gentle of knights, whose peer the world has
+never seen ever shall.
+
+After Sir Launcelot's death, Sir Bors and the pious knights, his
+companions, took their way to the Holy Land, and there they died in
+battle against the Turk.
+
+So ends the story of King Arthur and his noble fellowship of the
+Round Table.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories from Le Morte D'Arthur and the
+Mabinogion, by Beatrice Clay
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES FROM LE MORTE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 15551.txt or 15551.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/5/5/15551/
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jennifer Goslee and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.